Habemus Papam!

The bells of cathedrals across Australia rang in harmony with those of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome on the momentous evening when white smoke billowed above the Sistine Chapel, announcing to the world: Habemus Papam. 

As white smoke rises from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney and the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica ring out, the world receives the joyful news: Habemus Papam — We have a Pope! But what exactly unfolds behind the scenes before this historic announcement is made?

Habemus Papam! White smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel at 6:10 p.m. Rome time (9:40 p.m. IST) today, marking the successful election of a new pope — the 267th successor of St. Peter and spiritual leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.