On Thursday, white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel and the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica rang, signaling that the cardinals had chosen a new pope to succeed Pope Francis and lead the Roman Catholic Church.

The decision was made during the first full day of voting by the 133 cardinal electors, who entered seclusion within the Vatican’s ancient walls on Wednesday afternoon.

A jubilant crowd in St. Peter’s Square erupted in cheers and applause as the first wisps of smoke appeared from the chapel’s chimney, marking the conclusion of the secretive voting process.

The name and identity of the new pope will soon be revealed from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.

He will then address the public for the first time and give his initial blessing to the gathered faithful.

Who has been elected as the new pope?

What does this mean for the Roman Catholic Church?