There is cheering and celebration amongst the gathered crowds in the Vatican.
Flags waved and people have been embracing one another as the search for the next leader of the Catholic Church has reached its conclusion
The electing cardinals have now chosen a new pope and things will move pretty swiftly now.
Now that white smoke has appeared, the new pontiff will normally appear on the balcony overlooking St Peter’s Square in the next hour.
The new pope is now being led to a small room next to the Sistine Chapel where he will put on the white papal robes.
The senior cardinal will soon confirm the decision with the words “Habemus Papam” – Latin for “we have a Pope” – and introduce the new pontiff by his chosen papal name.
More details soon…
