Update Habemus Papam We Have a Pope. Pope Leo XIV
The white smoke left the chimney high over St Peter’s square a little while ago, there was a feeling of jubilation amongst the huge crowd which had gathered, waiting for the moment.
Huge cheers from the crowd as the white smoke rises, everyone is running forward to see it.
People are jumping up and with joy, some are praying to the sky.
“The sound here is tremendous, the bells are ringing so loudly it’s reverberating around the square as people cheer and scream with joy.”
It means that one of the 133 cardinals inside the chapel has obtained the necessary two-thirds majority required to win the conclave, the secretive centuries-old ritual of electing a new pontiff.
We don’t yet know who the new pope is – he is expected to appear on the balcony overlooking St Peter’s Square shortly.
A senior cardinal will soon confirm the decision with the words “Habemus Papam” – Latin for “we have a Pope” – and introduce the new pontiff by his chosen papal name.
The pope was chosen on the second day of voting, after the fourth ballot, although his identity was not immediately made known.
When Jorge Bergoglio, who became Pope Francis, was elected in March 2013, his identity was revealed about 45 minutes after the white smoke when he appeared on the balcony above St Peter’s Square.
Pope Francis died, aged 88, in April. His successor was picked quickly, especially given the large number of cardinals taking part in the conclave.
