The Cardinals have chosen a new pope, indicated by white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney. The identity of the next pontiff is expected to be revealed shortly when he appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
133 red-robed cardinals from around the world cast their ballots in three rounds of voting. Yesterday evening, after more than three hours, the first inconclusive vote was signaled by black smoke. This morning’s pair of votes was a repeat of that.
During the papal conclave, the cardinals are barred from leaving or having any contact with the outside world. The cardinal electors can vote in up to 34 rounds of voting until they select the next leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.
A massive crowd is waiting in St Peter’s Square for the new pope to be announced and for him to emerge onto the balcony to greet his flock.
Pope Francis passed away on April 21 at the age of 88. He was buried on April 26. The cause of death was a stroke.
