A new leader for the world¡¯s 1.4 billion Roman Catholics has been chosen. Thick white smoke emerged from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling that the 133 cardinals have reached a two-thirds majority to elect a new Pope. The announcement of his identity will be made shortly from the balcony of St. Peter¡¯s Basilica. The conclave ended on its second day, with the new Pope selected in the fourth round of voting.
The conclave, a secretive and centuries-old tradition, involved 133 cardinals who were barred from any outside contact during the voting period. The final decision, made on the second day after the fourth ballot, was confirmed by the white smoke and the ringing bells of St. Peter¡¯s Basilica. Pilgrims and tourists in the square responded with loud applause and cheers.
Senior cardinal deacon Dominique Mamberti, a 73-year-old Frenchman born in Morocco, is expected to step out onto the balcony and declare the Latin phrase ¡°Habemus Papam¡± ¡ª ¡°We have a Pope.¡± However, if Mamberti has been elected Pope himself, another senior cardinal will make the announcement. The chosen pontiff is currently preparing behind closed doors, selecting his papal name, donning the white cassock, and receiving the ceremonial fisherman¡¯s ring.
This conclave is the first since the death of Pope Francis in April at the age of 88. Most of the cardinals voting in the conclave were appointed by him, suggesting the possibility that the new Pope may share his vision. However, many of these cardinals come from countries with conservative social views, potentially creating divergence from Francis¡¯s more inclusive approach. While speculation remains, the actual direction of the new papacy will become clearer only after the official announcement and early decisions by the incoming Pope.
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