The new pope was born in Chicago in 1955. He is 69 years old. He lived for years in Peru where he was engaged in missionary work. He was appointed by Pope Francis on January 30, 2023.
He is fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese. He can read Latin and German.
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White smoke has risen from the Sistine Chapel, signaling that a new pope has been elected. The announcement of the identity of the next leader of the Catholic Church is expected shortly from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Usually, the new pope appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica around 45 minutes to an hour after the white smoke billows from the chapel. This time allows for the Cardinal Protodeacon to formally announce “Habemus Papam” (“We have a pope”), the new pope to change into the papal vestments, and for a brief prayer and private gathering with the cardinals before stepping out.
Earlier in the day, black smoke had risen from the same chimney following the first round of voting, indicating that no candidate had yet secured the required two-thirds majority. The conclave officially began Wednesday morning, with 135 cardinal-electors from around the world sequestered inside Vatican City.
The cardinals—comprising 53 from Europe, 23 from Asia, 18 from Africa, 17 from South America, 16 from North America, and four each from Central America and Oceania—have been staying at the Casa Santa Marta residence and moving between their lodgings and the Sistine Chapel for the duration of the conclave.
The electors can hold up to four votes per day. If no candidate is chosen after three days, the cardinals are required to pause voting for a day of prayer and reflection. No conclave has lasted more than four days since 1841.
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