White smoke was spotted from the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel at about 7.09 PM East African time, indicating the election of the 267th Pope.
The Conclave of 133 Cardinal electors began on Wednesday with voting kicking off on Thursday.
Earlier in the day, black smoke billowed out of the Sistine Chapel after the first and second rounds of voting failed to yield a winner.
Following the successful election of the Supreme pontiff and the Bishop of Rome, an announcement will be made by Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti from the Loggia of Blessings of St. Peter’s Basilica, when he proclaims the name of the new Bishop of Rome.
The Pope will then appear at the central window of St. Peter’s Basilica.
