At 17:56 in Rome, white smoke rose from the chimney atop of the Sistine Chapel. The Catholic Church has a new Pope. Soon the name of the man chosen to succeed John Paul II will be revealed when we hear the words Habemus Papam pronounced from the balcony of St. Peter´s. Catholics are celebrating.

The tolling of the bells ten minutes after the smoke confirmed the affirmative signal. The new Pontiff was elected after the fourth ballot on the second day of the Conclave. Church bells around the world announced this great joy.