Context:

A new Pope has been elected after just two days of voting by 133 cardinals in the Sistine Chapel, succeeding Pope Francis who passed away on April 21. The announcement of the new Pope was marked by white smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney, while the identity of the chosen Bishop of Rome is expected to be revealed shortly. The senior cardinal will soon proclaim the words 'Habemus Papam' to confirm the decision and introduce the new pontiff by his papal name from the balcony overlooking St Peter's Square. The election process required a two-thirds majority, and after an initial unsuccessful voting round marked by black smoke, the cardinals reconvened and successfully elected a new leader. The newly elected Pope is currently preparing to don the white papal robes, awaiting his formal introduction to the public.

Dive Deeper:

• White smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel chimney signaled the election of a new Pope after two days of conclave deliberations among 133 cardinals, following the death of Pope Francis.

• The identity of the new Bishop of Rome remains undisclosed, but the public unveiling is anticipated within an hour, with a live stream available from the Vatican.

• The newly elected Pope will appear on the balcony of St Peter's Square, where the senior cardinal will declare 'Habemus Papam' and announce the new pontiff's chosen papal name.

• The election required a two-thirds majority vote, and after the first of four scheduled ballots did not result in a decision, the cardinals took a break before successfully electing a new Pope.

• Preparations are underway for the new Pope to put on the white papal robes in a room adjacent to the Sistine Chapel, as the world awaits his formal introduction.

• A new pope has been elected!

• White smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney on Thursday (May 8), indicating that a new Pope has been elected in the conclave process amid the cardinals after just two days of contemplation and voting.

• The 133 cardinals have determined a new Bishop of Rome, who will be the successor to Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 on April 21.

• Who they have selected, however, has not yet been made public.

• Keep reading to find out more…

• The unveiling of the newly appointed Pontiff is expected within an hour or so to appear on the balcony, via Deadline.

• The Pope was elected by the cardinals with a required two-thirds majority. The first of what was four scheduled ballots Thursday (May 8) concluded around 10:30 am local time in Rome. With no Pope elected that round, black smoke came out of chimney atop the Sistine Chapel. The cardinals took a break and resumed voting about an hour later. And now, a leader has been determined!

• Stay tuned to find out who the pick was, and see who the early frontrunners were based on the betting odds.