White smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling that the 133 Cardinal electors have chosen a new Pope.
This confirms the end of the conclave and the beginning of a new papacy. The new pontiff is expected to appear shortly at the central window of St. Peter’s Basilica to deliver his first blessing, Urbi et Orbi (to the city and the world), to the faithful gathered in the square and millions watching across the globe.
People are agog with joy, some are praying to the sky. The bells are also ringing so loudly around the square as people cheer and scream.
