White dust pours out of the Vatican stove to indicate that a new pope has been elected.

The joyous crowd in St Peter’s Square cheered and applauded as the first puffs of smoke emerged from a small chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel, where the cardinals have been holding their secret ballot.

“Long Live the Pope!” the crowds cheered in bright sunshine. “We have a pope!” said one sign held aloft.

The identity of the pope and the name he has chosen as pontiff will be announced to the world shortly from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.

The new pope will then step forward to deliver his first public address and blessing to the gathered crowds.

Sister Mona Lisa, a Brazilian nun, was in the square waving a Brazilian flag, in tears. “I am so happy we have a pope,” she said.

AP

On Thursday, 133 cardinals went into the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican to elect the next leader of the worldwide Catholic Church.

Three rounds of votes came and went with black smoke coming from the world’s most talked-about chimney.

But now, the moment 1.4 billion Roman Catholics have all been waiting for has arrived.

It follows the death of Pope Francis, on April 21, aged 88.

Who could it be?

No clear favourites emerged prior to the conclave. However, Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who served as the Vatican’s number two under Francis was considered a front-runner.

Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, France’s Jean-Marc Aveline, Hungary’s Peter Erdo, American Robert Prevost and Italy’s Pierbattista Pizzaballa were the other names being talked about.

With AP