White smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney Thursday afternoon, signaling the election of a new pope and bringing a wave of joy to the tens of thousands gathered in Vatican Square. The plume, a centuries-old symbol of papal consensus, confirmed that the College of Cardinals had reached the required two-thirds majority in their third round of voting.
As the smoke drifted into the Roman sky, the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica began to ring, prompting a swell of cheers and applause from the crowd below. According to police, over 11,000 faithful and onlookers had assembled to witness the historic moment.
The new pontiff was chosen just hours after black smoke earlier in the day had indicated a failed round of voting. But by the afternoon session, it was clear momentum had shifted. A flock of seagulls perched near the chimney even became an early clue to observers that something was about to happen.
Although the identity of the new pope has yet to be formally announced, speculation had been growing around several prominent contenders—including Filipino bishop Pablo Virgilio David. Vatican watchers now wait for the traditional appearance on the balcony of St. Peter’s, where the chosen cardinal will be introduced to the world as the next leader of the Catholic Church.
For now, all eyes remain on the balcony—and all ears await the words: “Habemus Papam.”
Image Credits: Flickr
