The 133 Cardinal electors gathered in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel have elected the new Pope.

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He will appear soon at the central window of St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday after white smoke emerged from the chimney over the Sistine Chapel.

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On Wednesday evening, a black smoke emerged from the chimney, signalling that a first ballot has been held at the conclave and has concluded without the election of a Pope.

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Around 45,000 people had gathered in St Peter's Square to await the announcement, which had been expected some time after 7pm. In the end, they had to wait until 9.

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Among those in the square was Deacon Nicholas Nkoronko from Tanzania. Speaking to Vatican News, he said: "Our role here is to pray and to join with other Christians, other Catholics, to pray for the Holy Spirit to guide the whole process."

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"Wherever the new Pope comes from", Deacon Nkoronko stressed, "whether it's Africa, Asia, America, what we need is we need a holy Pope. We need a Pope who will guide the Church and will be the pastor of the Church."

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Pope Francis’ funeral took place on Saturday, April 26, at St. Peter’s Basilica.

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