Cardinal electors choose new pope; white smoke signals election

On Wednesday, May 7, following Pope Francis's death on April 21, the 133 cardinal electors from 70 countries began their proceedings to choose his successor at Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.

White smoke emerged from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Thursday, May 8 (Friday, May 9 Manila time), signaling that a new pope has been elected during the conclave’s second day.

The new pontiff is set to make his first appearance and deliver an 'Urbi et Orbi' speech at Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City on Thursday evening (Friday morning Manila time).

French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, the protodeacon, will introduce the successor of Pope Francis during this event.

A total of 133 cardinal electors voted in the conclave, including three from the Philippines: Luis Antonio Tagle, Pablo Virgilio David, and Jose Advincula; a vote of at least two-thirds or 89 cardinals was needed to be elected.