White smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Thursday evening, signaling that a new pope has been elected.
As the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica rang out, crowds gathered at the Vatican erupted in cheers and celebration. Pilgrims and onlookers waved flags and embraced, marking the historic moment that concludes the Catholic Church’s search for a new leader.
While the identity of the newly elected pope has yet to be revealed, all eyes are now on the Sistine Chapel balcony, where the new pontiff is expected to appear within the hour.
Edited by Nzubechukwu Eze
