The crowd in St. Peter’s Square erupted in cheers as the white smoke billowed into the air. It meant the winner secured at least 89 votes of the 133 cardinals participating in the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis.

Thousands cheered as white smoke was seen emanating from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, indicating that a two-thirds vote has been reached to elect the new pope.

Pope Leo XIV led his first Mass in the Sistine Chapel a day after being elected as the head of the Catholic Church. Pope Leo began his sermon in his native English, saying he is “blessed with (the) mission” of papacy.