Habemus Papam! White smoke rises as new pope is elected

Habemus Papam! White smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney this afternoon, announcing the election of a new leader for the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.

Crowds in St. Peter’s Square erupted in cheers as bells pealed from the towering basilica, confirming that the 133 cardinal electors who have been sequestered inside since Wednesday had reached a two-thirds majority decision on who will succeed Pope Francis.

The new pope’s identity will be revealed shortly by Dominique Mamberti, the senior cardinal deacon, who convention says will appear on the St. Peter’s balcony that overlooks the square and announce, “Habemus Papam” — “We have a pope.”