MANILA, Philippines – White smoke emerged from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City at around 6:08 pm Rome time on Thursday, May 8 (12:08 am on Friday, May 9, Manila time), signaling that cardinal electors have chosen a new pope.
The 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church is set to be announced shortly from the central balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica.
French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, the protodeacon or the most senior cardinal deacon in the College of Cardinals, is expected to make the announcement.
The new pontiff was elected on the second day of the conclave, which began on Wednesday, May 7.
A total of 133 cardinal electors voted in the conclave, including three from the Philippines: Luis Antonio Tagle, Pablo Virgilio David, and Jose Advincula. A vote of at least two-thirds, or 89 cardinals, was needed to be elected. – Rappler.com