As soon as the news of the white smoke spread through the Italian capital, some people began running through the streets of Rome to get to St. Peter’s Square. People continue to stream into the square from every alley that leads to the Vatican.
In the square itself, people are hugging and crying tears of joy.
While earlier the crowd was angling to get a good view of the Sistine Chapel chimney, they are now inching closer to the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica where the new pope is expected to emerge any moment.
The 267th leader of the Catholic Church will soon step onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and make himself known to the world.
First impressions count. When Pope Francis stepped onto the balcony in 2013, he did so dressed in simple white robes, shunning much of the papal pomp of his predecessors.
He chose “Francis” as his papal name in honor of Francis of Assisi, the Italian saint who renounced his family wealth and championed the poor.
Francis also addressed the crowd with the simple Italian greeting, “Buona sera,” meaning “good evening.”
Among the cheers from the thousands in St. Peter’s Square who are celebrating the election of a new pope, the Swiss Guard and band are marching, adding to the vibrant and joyful atmosphere.
We’re seeing the Swiss Guard wearing their “distinctive, stripy colored uniform and the band that come out for major moments in the Vatican, and we expect them to play the Vatican national anthem in and around when the pope is announced, the new pope is announced,” CNN’s Vatican correspondent Christopher Lamb said.
He added that the band and Swiss Guard’s presence might mean “that it’s not too long until we get the news of who has been elected as pope.”
Now that the white smoke signal has gone out, we are waiting for the new pope to appear on the balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square.
Traditionally, that happens about 30 to 60 minutes after the signal.
His papal name will be announced, and the new pope will then speak briefly and say a prayer.
His formal coronation will take place days after his election. The last two popes have been inaugurated in St. Peter’s Square.
