Cardinal Robert Prevost Elected as 267th Pope of Catholic Church

ORIGINAL STORY IS BELOW:

White smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney on Thursday, signaling that the Catholic Church had elected a new pope.

Thousands packed into St. Peter’s Square and cheered as the smoke appeared, confirming that the cardinals had reached a decision. Church bells rang out across the Vatican, indicating that one candidate had received the required 89 votes from the 133 cardinals participating in the conclave.

Earlier in the day, the Vatican reported that the second ballot on the first full day of voting, and the third since the conclave began Wednesday afternoon, was inconclusive. But by the next round, a decision had been made.

As the crowd celebrated in the square, the world waited to hear the name of the 267th pope, which will be announced soon by a senior cardinal. After the announcement, the newly elected pope is expected to make his first public appearance on the balcony.

Until then, onlookers and viewers around the globe remain eager for the historic moment.