Outlets around the world were able to capture the reaction of crowds gathered at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican after white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel, announcing a new pope has been elected.
Crowd celebrating the election of a new pope pic.twitter.com/nZ8jtmdroe
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Bells rung during the Italian afternoon to announce a new pontiff was chosen at the fourth ballot. The new pope's identity is still unknown.
Crowds gathered in St. Peter's square cheered as the development was announced. The new pope will succeed Pope Francis in leading 1.4 billion Catholics around the world.
Overall, 133 cardinals were eligible to vote for the new pope. Italy and the U.S. had the most representative, with 17 and 10, respectively. Most of those voting were chosen by Pope Francis, with NBC News reporting that many may look to continue his progressive legacy. The name chosen will be a significant indicator of his priorities and intended course of action.
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