CONCLAVE: Jubilations as white smoke emerges from Sistine Chapel signaling new pope election
White smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel Thursday afternoon and the bells of St. Peter’s rang out, signaling that cardinals have elected a new pope to succeed Pope Francis and take charge of the Roman Catholic Church.
The election came on the first full day of voting by the 133 cardinal electors, who secluded themselves behind the Vatican’s medieval walls on Wednesday afternoon.
A joyous crowd in St. Peter’s Square cheered and applauded as the first puffs of smoke emerged from a small chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel, where the cardinals have been holding their secret ballot.
The identity of the pope and the name he has chosen as pontiff will be announced to the world from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica shortly.
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The new pope will then step forward to deliver his first public address and blessing to the gathered crowds.
Choosing a name
When the conclave has elected a pope, he is asked if he accepts and which name he wishes to take.
The new pope would wera white vestments that have been prepared in three sizes and sits on a throne in the Sistine Chapel to receive the other cardinals, who pay homage and pledge obedience.
A senior cardinal appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and announces in Latin: “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum. Habemus Papam” (“I announce to you great joy. We have a pope”).
He identifies the new pope by his given name, with his first name translated into its Latin version, and then announces the papal name the new leader of the Church has chosen.
Following the announcement, the new pope steps forward to deliver his first public address and his first “Urbi et Orbi” (“To the City and the World”) blessing in front of the crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
A few days later, the new pope will celebrate a Mass that marks the beginning of his ministry.
