White smoke has emerged from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling the end of the conclave and confirming that the cardinals have selected a successor to Pope Francis.
With this sign, tradition holds that the newly elected pope will appear on the balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square within the hour.
He is currently being guided into a small room beside the Sistine Chapel to change into the white papal vestments.
Soon, the senior cardinal will step forward to make the formal announcement with the words “Habemus Papam” Latin for “we have a Pope” and reveal the new pontiff’s chosen name.
The atmosphere in the square is electric. People are jumping for joy, some lifting their hands in prayer. A couple from Greece describe it as a “once-in-a-lifetime experience,” saying they’ll remain to witness the pope’s first public appearance.
The air is filled with thunderous sound the bells are pealing, echoing around the square as cheers and shouts of celebration erupt from the crowd.
SOURCE: BBC NEWS
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