White smoke signalled the start of a new era. A new Pope was elected on the second day of the conclave. Pope Leo XIV then appeared on the balcony to greet cheering crowds in St Peter's Square. But before that, there were many hours of waiting for news to emerge from the Sistine Chapel.
Among the crowds, drones and seagulls alike were competing for a birds-eye view
The first smoke of the day was black smoke from the Sistine Chapel, as cardinals failed in their latest attempt to elect a new pope by a two thirds majority
Thousands of the faithful and curious were awaiting white smoke in St Peter's Square on the second day of secret voting
Crowds in St Peter's Square
People waited in hope for a new pope
A man holding a US flag was seen standing amid the crowds in St Peter's Square. A sign of things to come...
Shortly after 5pm Irish time white smoke finally emerged, signalling to the world that its roughly 1.4 billion Catholics had a new Pope to head their Church
There was much emotion in the Vatican throughout the evening
The balcony was prepared for the first appearance of the new leader of the Catholic Church
Swiss Guards and a music band entered the parvis of St Peter's Basilica after news of the Pope's election
And the bells rang out across the Vatican
There were joyous scenes among those gathered
Cardinals - some of whom might have been locked in conclave - gathered to witness the first address from the newly elected Pontiff
And as the world's media reported on the election, there was much anticipation ahead of the balcony appearance
At around 6.15pm Irish time, Pope Leo XIV emerged
With Pope Leo XIV - American Robert Prevost - the Catholic world had its new leader
The moment made headlines - not just in the Vatican news - but around the world
Cardinal Robert Prevost, a little known missionary from Chicago, was a surprise choice
Witnesses to the historic event were overcome with emotion
While a group holding a US flag ceebrated the first US Pope
'Peace be with you all', Pope Leo XIV told the cheering crowd
Leo XIV becomes the 267th pope
And after a day of ceremony, much focus will turn now to how he will lead the Catholic Church
