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| Catholic Cardinals [Britannica] |
Vatican City – In a moment watched by millions worldwide, white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney on Thursday, signaling the election of the Catholic Church’s 267th pope.
The dramatic announcement marks the conclusion of a high-stakes conclave where 133 cardinals from across the globe gathered to choose a successor to the late Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at age 88.
Following days of intense deliberation, the College of Cardinals reached the required two-thirds majority to elect the next leader of the 1.3 billion-strong Catholic Church. The newly elected pope, whose identity is yet to be revealed, will step onto the world stage at a pivotal moment for the Vatican, facing challenges ranging from declining church attendance to internal reforms.
The centuries-old tradition of white smoke (fumata bianca) confirmed the successful election, triggering cheers from the crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square. The new pontiff will soon deliver his first urbi et orbi blessing, setting the tone for his papacy.
Who Is the New Pope?
Speculation had been rife over potential frontrunners, with names like Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy), Cardinal Luis Tagle (Philippines), and Cardinal Christoph Schönborn (Austria) circulating among Vatican experts. The new pope’s background whether progressive, conservative, or from the Global South will shape the future of the Church.
More Details soon....