Vatican City, Mar 13: White smoke billowing from the Sistine Chapel chimney in the Vatican City Wednesday announced to the world that cardinals gathered inside have elected a new Pope to head the Catholic Church.
Crowds in St Peter's Square cheered and bells rang out as the smoke appeared. The name of the new Pope is expected to be announced shortly, the BBC reported.
He will replace Pope Benedict XVI, who stepped down last month saying he was no longer strong enough to lead the Church.
The 115 cardinals have been in isolation since yesterday afternoon, and held four inconclusive votes before electing a Pope.
Before the conclave began, there was no clear frontrunner to replace Benedict.
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