Cardinals elected the 267th Pope on Thursday after a conclave at the Vatican. White smoke signaled the election, prompting cheers from the crowd in St. Peter's Square. The new Pope's name will be announced later from the basilica's loggia, followed by a public appearance and blessing. The election concluded on the second day, following a first ballot resulting in black smoke Wednesday night. Speculation surrounded the length of the first ballot, with various theories offered. The process involves a strict choreography, including written ballots, and the burning of ballots to produce the smoke signal.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.