White smoke has risen above the Sistine Chapel signaling that the cardinals have elected a new pope on the second day of the conclave. His identity, along with the name he will take as pontiff, will be revealed shortly.
The 133 voting cardinals have been sequestered inside the Vatican during the conclave. A two-thirds majority was required for any one of them to be elected as the next pope.
Now that the white smoke has appeared, we await the new pope’s first public appearance on the balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square.
Traditionally, this happens about 30 to 60 minutes after the signal.
His papal name will be announced, followed by a brief address and prayer.
The formal coronation will take place in the coming days. The last two popes were inaugurated in St. Peter’s Square.
