New pope elected on second day of Conclave

A new pope has been elected, as white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney on the second day of the papal conclave, sending waves of excitement and celebration through St. Peter’s Square.

The momentous signal confirmed that the College of Cardinals had successfully chosen a new leader for the Catholic Church. The name and identity of the new pope will be revealed shortly, as tradition dictates, with the announcement of "Habemus Papam" – Latin for "We have a Pope" – followed by the pope’s chosen name.

There are 133 voting cardinals in the conclave, and a candidate must secure a two-thirds majority to be elected. While it is not yet clear whether the new pontiff was chosen on the fourth or fifth ballot, his election mirrors the timeline of recent history: Pope Benedict XVI was elected after four rounds in 2005, and Pope Francis after five in 2013 — both on the afternoon of the second day.

Jubilant scenes unfolded in St. Peter’s Square as thousands erupted in cheers, sang, and prayed upon seeing the white smoke. Church bells rang out across the Vatican, amplifying the emotion of the crowd. One couple visiting from Greece described the moment as a "once-in-a-lifetime experience" and said they would stay to witness the new pope’s first appearance on the balcony.