Update:
At 6:08 p.m., white smoke announced the election of the 267th Pope. Robert Francis Prevost becomes Léon XIV, the first American to direct the Catholic Church.
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At 6:08 p.m. Thursday, the white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney and the bells of the Saint-Pierre basilica resounded: the 267th pope was elected on the second day of the conclave.
On Place Saint-Pierre, a huge clamor welcomed the news. Tens of thousands of faithful have shouted “Viva Il Dad!”brandishing flags around the world. Priests signed, nuns cried.
White smoke indicates that at least 89 of the 133 cardinals voters chose a successor to François.
Robert Francis Prevost has entered history as Pope Leon XIV, the first American to direct the Catholic Church in 2,000 years of history.