White smoke puffs as new pope prepares for balcony appearance
Sopuruchi Onwuka
A huge crowd currently mill around the St Peters Basilica in wait to behold the new Pope of the global Catholic Church.
Several online reports emerging from The Vatican have it that the new pope will be unveiled in less than an hour following a release of white smoke by the conclave of cardinals.
Traditionally, a new pope would appear on the balcony after election by the conclave of cardinals.
In the succession of the Late Pope Francis, a conclave of over 130 cardinals had secluded in the Sistine Chapel since Wednesday.
Black smoke was released from the Sistine Chapel after no Pope was elected by Wednesday evening.
The conclave continued in the business of selection as faithfuls across the globe paid attention.
The release of white smoke Thursday evening made the day for thousands of live spectators who witnessed the unfolding of history.sound here is
Local sources said the square came alive with loud bells after white smoke puffs from the Sistine Chapel.
People cheered and screamed with joy.
The new pope is now expected to emerge on the balcony overlooking St Peter’s Square in the next hour.
It is believed that the new pope is now being dressed in white papal robes.
At his appearance on the balcony, the person and identity of the new pope will be announced.
