New pope elected to lead Catholic Church

A new pope has been chosen to lead the Catholic Church.

White smoke streamed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Thursday shortly after 12 p.m. ET, and was followed by the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica ringing as additional confirmation.

The name of the new pontiff will be announced soon, with him taking to the central balcony of the basilica for the first time.

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The decision comes slightly more than two weeks since Pope Francis died on April 21, following a 12-year papacy.

More to come.