Vatican City, Mar 13, 2013 / 11:06 am
White smoke billowing from the Sistine Chapel's chimney on March 13 indicated that the
College of Cardinals had chosen a new Pope.
The identity of the new Holy Father will be revealed shortly, and he will greet the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square from the balcony of the basilica.
The smoke, which was seen rising from the chimney at 7:06 p.m. local time, was
accompanied by the ringing of bells at St. Peter's to tell the world that two-thirds of the 115 cardinals gathered in the conclave had come to an agreement in casting their ballots for the new Pope.
The voting began on the evening of March 12, yielding an initial inconclusive vote marked by black smoke.