By Peter Omopo
White smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Thursday, indicating that the conclave of 133 cardinals has successfully elected a new pope.
The decision came on the second day of voting, marking the conclusion of deliberations to choose a successor to Pope Francis. However, the identity of the newly elected pontiff remains under wraps until the traditional public announcement is made from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
The Vatican and the global Catholic community now await the appearance of the new pope and the declaration, “Habemus Papam” (We have a Pope), to formally introduce the leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.
