'Habemus papam!': White smoke at Sistine Chapel indicates new pope, identity to be revealed soon

Expectant crowds at St. Peter's Square, just outside the Sistine Chapel, were jubiliant after white smoke issued from the chimney of the Chapel building, as well as the sweet chime of bells, signifying the selection of a new Pope.

The identity of the new pontiff, having secured a two-third majority of at least 89 votes from the 133 cardinal electors, will be announced later, when a top cardinal breaks the papal sequestration to utter the Latin phrase 'Habemus papam!', which translates to “We have a Pope!”

The 267th Pope of the Catholic Church will then grace crowds with his presence at the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, where the verbal announcement regarding his appointment was first made.

World