White smoke at the Vatican: New Pope elected

In the papal election (Conclave) at the Vatican, "white smoke" has risen from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling that a new Pope has been chosen.

Following the passing of the last spiritual leader of Catholics and Head of State of the Vatican, Pope Francis, on April 21, the position was declared "vacant" (Sede Vacante). In the Vatican, the cardinals—the most important clergy members after the Pope—determined the new Pope during the afternoon session on the second day of the election.

It was understood that the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church had been determined when white smoke began to billow from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel.

It is known that the new Pope was elected by receiving at least two-thirds (89) of the votes from the 133 cardinals.

Many people waiting for the smoke to appear in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican expressed great joy upon seeing that the color of the smoke was white, with some citizens unable to hold back their tears.

Within 1 hour of the white smoke appearing, the new Pope will be introduced to the world from the main balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.

The new Pope will be presented to the world by French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, who holds the title of "Protodeacon," from the main balcony with the Latin phrase "Habemus Papam (We have a Pope)."

While more than 200 of the 266 Popes in the Catholic Church to date have been Italian, the most recent Conclave in 2013 saw a Pope elected from the Americas for the first time, with the Argentine Francis becoming Pope.