19/04/2005

Cardinal Ratzinger named as new Pope

White smoke has billowed from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney, signalling that a new Pope has been chosen.

The new Pope will be German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who was widely regarded as the leading candidate. He will take the name Pope Benedict XVI.

The new Pope was reportedly chosen on the fourth ballot taken by the cardinals in the voting process known as the conclave.

The process began yesterday afternoon, when the 115 cardinals eligible to vote entered the Sistine Chapel following a period of mourning for Pope John Paul II, whose funeral was held in Rome on April 8.

There was reportedly initial excitement last night, when smoke issued from the chapel’s chimney and, at first, appeared to be white. However, it turned out to be black, indicating that the cardinals had not yet reached a decision.

Black smoke once again issued from the chimney around 1000 GMT, indicating that no decision had been reached after the two votes this morning.

A two-thirds majority is needed to successfully elect a new pontiff.

The conclave had been expected to last for a few days, although the process could have taken several weeks. However, no conclave in the last century has lasted more than five days.

(KMcA/GB)


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