by InTrieste
White smoke rose above the Sistine Chapel Thursday afternoon, signaling the election of a new pope and bringing to a close the two-day conclave that has captivated the world’s attention.
A jubilant crowd packed St. Peter’s Square, erupting in cheers as the symbolic white plume curled into the overcast Roman sky—a centuries-old sign that a successor to Pope Francis has been chosen.
The identity of the new pontiff, elected on the fourth or fifth ballot by the 133 cardinal-electors, is expected to be revealed shortly from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. There, Cardinal Proto-Deacon Dominique Mamberti will formally announce, “Habemus papam”—Latin for “We have a pope.”
In cities and villages across Italy, bells rang out from cathedrals and churches in celebration. In Trieste and throughout the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, the faithful heard the joyous pealing of bells marking the historic moment—even before the pope’s name was known.
The solemn and secretive conclave began Wednesday afternoon, when the chapel doors were locked behind the cardinal-electors. Initial inconclusive votes were communicated to the world by black smoke.
The new pope will take the helm of the Roman Catholic Church at a pivotal time, succeeding Pope Francis, who died last month at the age of 88.
This is a developing story.
