“Habemus Papam!”
White smoke began pouring from the Sistine Chapel chimney on Thursday, signaling the College of Cardinals has chosen a successor to Pope Francis.
And now the world waits to learn who he is.
Riotous applause and cheers erupted from the faithful crowd of thousands gathered at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, where eyes had been glued to the simple chimney since the secretive conclave process began just over a day ago.
White smoke finally appeared just after 6 p.m. local time on the cardinals’ fourth vote — following one vote Wednesday and two earlier Thursday that ended in failure and black smoke.
White smoke billows from the Sistine Chapel on Thursday.
White smoke rises from the chimney on the Sistine Chapel, indicating at least 89 of the 133 cardinals participating have reached a consensus on electing the next pope. REUTERS
Faithful hold a banner reading “Up with the pope”, after white smoke billows from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel during the conclave to elect a new pope. APAll eyes have now turned to the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica overlooking the square, where the new pope will soon emerge to the proclamation “Habemus Papam!” — Latin for “We have a pope!”
When he arrives, the new pontiff will be dressed in traditional white papal vestments in the Room of Tears — a small space next to the Sistine Chapel that supposedly got its name from the emotion felt by the new pope in those moments.
People react and wave Vatican flags after the white smoke was seen. AFP via Getty ImagesWhoever was chosen met the two-third majority required to be named – meaning at least 89 votes from the 133 cardinals who joined the conclave voted in their favor.
Crowds gather to celebrate the conclave selecting the next pope.
Several names have been called lead contenders ahead of the conclave, but the relatively new pool of cardinals in the running – about 80% in the conclave were appointed since Francis was named in 2013 – has left speculation difficult.
People watch as white smoke appears from the Sistine Chapel, indicating a new pope has been selected. APAmong the top contenders are Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who was the Vatican’s secretary of state under Francis and presided over the conclave.
The 70-year-old is considered far less charismatic than Francis was, according to the New York Times, but has been called a savvy statesman who could be an asset for the Catholic Church’s standing in the world. But some say he is too much a bureaucrat and not enough a pastor – and that the leader of the Catholics should be focused on religion and not diplomacy.
People react as white smoke rises from the chimney on the Sistine Chapel. REUTERSAnother leader is Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle, a Filipino cardinal who has been outspoken about furthering Francis’ progressive policies.
The 67-year-old’s approach to the public is closer to Francis’ enthusiastic openness — leading to him being dubbed the “Asian Francis.” Catholicism has been on the rise in Southeast Asia and the church has been vocal about trying to continue expanding that reach.
People clap and cheer as new pope is selected.
Fridolin Ambongo, a 65-year-old cardinal from the Democratic Republic of Congo, meanwhile, has been pressing the church to expand its reach to corners of the world it’s historically given less attention – like Africa and Asia.
Ambongo’s appointment would mirror the arrival of Francis – the first non-European church leader since 741 — from one of those corners.
But Ambongo, like most cardinals from Africa, is far more conservative than many of the lead contenders.
Francis’ successor will be the 267th in history and will follow Pope Francis, 88, who died April 21 after a lengthy bout with respiratory illness culminating in a stroke and heart failure.
This vote was relatively speedy, though not unprecedented for modern times – with the last three popes all having been selected on the second day of conclave.
The last ten conclaves averaged about three days, while none in the modern era have gone longer than five.
