New Pope Elected as White Smoke Signals Conclave Success

White smoke emerged from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling that the conclave of 133 cardinals has elected a new pope to succeed Pope Francis as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church. This announcement prompted jubilant celebrations among crowds gathered in St. Peter's Square, who eagerly awaited the new pontiff's identity and chosen papal name, which will be revealed from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica with the traditional Latin proclamation, "Habemus Papam." Following the acceptance of his election and selection of his papal name, the new pope will don white vestments, deliver his first public address, and grant the Urbi et Orbi blessing. The process leading to this moment involved multiple rounds of voting, with black smoke indicating previous inconclusive ballots before the final white smoke confirmed the election. The new pope will subsequently celebrate a Mass marking the official beginning of his ministry. Cardinal Dominique Mamberti is expected to announce the new pope's name unless he himself is elected.