By Ayo Kehinde
The Catholic Church has elected a new pope, signaled by the white smoke billowing from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Thursday.
The identity of the new pontiff is expected to be revealed shortly when he steps onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to address the world.
133 cardinals, gathered under the frescoed ceilings of the Sistine Chapel, reached a decision in the third round of voting after two inconclusive ballots on Wednesday evening and Thursday morning.
The papal conclave officially began on Wednesday with a Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals. Addressing the cardinals and thousands of faithful in attendance, Battista called for unity, faith, and prayer as the Church sought its next spiritual leader.
The initial rounds of voting failed to produce a successor to Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88 following a stroke. Black smoke from the Chapel’s chimney had earlier indicated no consensus had been reached.
The newly elected pope is expected to make his first public appearance on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where his name and chosen papal title will be formally announced.
