White smoke ascends from the roof of the Sistine Chapel, signalling the election of a new Pope. The world awaits the appearance of the Cardinal electors on the Loggia of St Peter’s Basilica, and the announcement of the 266th successor of St Peter.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell is expected to read the name of the new pope soon.
Cardinals from all over the world took part in the conclave, with votes distributed by continent. Europe leads with 114 cardinals, followed by Asia with 37, South America with 32, Africa with 29, North America with 28, Central America with 8, while Oceania has 4 cardinals.
A conclave is an event in which cardinals elect a new head of the Roman Catholic Church. During this period, all conversations with the outside world are strictly prohibited.
In the past, conclaves lasted weeks or even months, and the longest in history lasted three years (although that was several centuries ago). In recent times, conclaves usually last only a few days.
