White smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney today, signalling the election of a new Pope — sending waves of jubilation through St Peter's Square.
Thousands of emotional Catholics cried, cheered, and waved flags as centuries-old tradition unfolded in dramatic %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_0%%. After just one full day of Conclave deliberations by 133 cardinals, the sacred chimney finally puffed its iconic white smoke at 5:33 PM %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_1%% the 267th Pope has been chosen.
The bells of St Peter's Basilica rang out triumphantly as chants of "Viva il Papa!" echoed around the %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_2%%, where more than 45,000 pilgrims and tourists had gathered.
The %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_3%% under wraps for now. He is currently in the %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_4%% — a small chamber beside the Sistine Chapel where he dons papal vestments before making his first appearance.
The world will soon hear the iconic Latin declaration "Habemus Papam" (We have a Pope!) %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_5%% and chosen papal title, expected to be delivered by Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, unless he is the man chosen himself.
The election ends an emotional period of mourning and reflection %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_6%% of Pope Francis, whose progressive papacy transformed many aspects of the modern Catholic Church.
Among frontrunners speculated for the role were Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Cardinal Peter Erdo, and Cardinal Luis Tagle — but Vatican insiders say it could be a surprise pick.
The new Pope will immediately assume spiritual leadership of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, facing challenges such as sexual abuse scandals, declining church attendance in the %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_7%%, and growing influence of conservative factions within the Church.
