WASHINGTON, DC — AFTER four rounds of voting, the College of Cardinals has elected a new Pope to succeed Pope Francis, who passed away recently following a period of illness.
White smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel this evening, signaling to the world that a new Pope has been chosen.
More than 130 Cardinals from around the world participated in the secretive conclave, casting their votes by secret ballot. During the process, the Cardinals are completely secluded from the outside world until a decision is reached.
As of press time, the identity of the Pope-elect has not been announced. Once officially introduced, he will assume spiritual leadership of more than 1.8 billion Catholics worldwide.
The new Pope faces significant challenges ahead, including addressing the Vatican’s ongoing annual budget deficit.
