White smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel's chimney, announcing the election of a new leader for the world's 1.4 billion Catholics.

Crowds in St. Peter's Square erupted in cheers as bells pealed from the towering basilica, confirming that the 133 cardinal electors who have been sequestered inside since Wednesday had reached a two-thirds majority decision on who will succeed Pope Francis. The new pope's identity will be revealed shortly.