New Pope Elected: White Smoke Over Sistine Chapel

The Catholic Church has a new Pope. On Thursday at 6:08 PM, white smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel. Shortly thereafter, the festive ringing of the bells of St. Peter's Basilica announced that the cardinals gathered in the conclave had agreed on a successor for Francis, who passed away on April 21.

White Smoke: New Pope Elected in Fourth Ballot

The 133 cardinals apparently elected the new Pope in the fourth ballot. The name of the new Pope will soon be announced to the public from the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica. The official ceremony immediately after the election requires the Dean of the College of Cardinals to ask the elected: "Do you accept your canonical election as Pope?" If the elected agrees, he is asked: "By what name do you wish to be called?"

New Pope to Appear Shortly

Afterwards, the Master of Ceremonies confirms the election and the new name in writing as a notary. With the acceptance of the election, the Pope immediately receives papal authority over the Catholic Church. In the sacristy of the Sistine Chapel, the Pope then dons his new vestments with the help of the Master of Ceremonies. Subsequently, the cardinals pledge their obedience to the new Pope.

The Cardinal Protodeacon - currently the Frenchman Dominique Mamberti - is the first to step onto the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica and announces the famous formula "Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum, habemus Papam!" ("I announce to you a great joy, we have a Pope!"). He also reveals the elected Pope's secular name and papal name. Shortly thereafter, the elected Pope steps onto the balcony, presents himself to the people, and gives the traditional blessing "Urbi et Orbi" for the first time.

Thousands of Faithful at St. Peter's Square

The conclave for the papal election convened on Wednesday afternoon. It is thus one of the shortest in church history.

Within minutes, masses of pilgrims gathered on the Via della Conciliazione, which leads to the Vatican, as well as in the surrounding streets. For the announcement of the new Pope, possibly even hundreds of thousands of people are expected.

"Viva il papa" the faithful shouted with enthusiasm. The civil protection is on high alert. It is ready to take measures to regulate the flow of pilgrims to the Vatican, it was said. Throughout Rome, the bells gradually rang out. The bell of St. Peter's Basilica was the first to announce the election of the new Pope.

(APA/Red)

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