White smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney on Thursday, igniting deafening cheers from thousands in St Peter’s Square, signaling the election of a new pope.
Bells rang loudly, reverberating across the square, as the crowd surged forward, some jumping with joy, others praying skyward.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said a Greek couple, breathless with excitement, vowing to stay until the new pope appears on the balcony, reports BBC.
The atmosphere was electric, with screams and applause echoing through the Vatican as the faithful celebrated the conclave’s decision, eagerly awaiting the pontiff’s first address.