New Pope Is Chosen as White Smokes Rises From Sistine Chapel: Live Updates
White smoke over the Sistine Chapel and ringing bells have signaled that a new Pope of the Catholic Church has been chosen.
The conclave began Wednesday with 135 eligible cardinals—those under the age of 80—gathering in the Sistine Chapel, where they were locked in seclusion from the outside world. The word "conclave" comes from the Latin cum clave, meaning "with a key.
The new pope will be revealed with a proclamation of "Habemus Papam!" ("We have a pope!"), and an appearance on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica where he delivers the Urbi et Orbi blessing.
What to Know
Former pope, Pope Francis, passed at the age of 88, on April 21, after 12 years as pope.
The conclave began Wednesday with 135 eligible cardinals—those under the age of 80—gathering in the Sistine Chapel, where they were locked in seclusion from the outside world. The word "conclave" comes from the Latin cum clave, meaning "with a key."
Modern conclaves typically last between one and five days with the most recent for Francis, in 2013, lasting just two days.
The next pope comes at a pivotal time for the Catholic Church, and must decide whether to continue down Francis' reformist path, or shift toward a more traditional model.
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