We bring you historic news from Vatican City tonight. White smoke has been seen rising from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel—signaling that a new pope has been chosen. This centuries-old tradition serves as the official public announcement that the College of Cardinals, after their secretive deliberations, has successfully elected the next leader of the Catholic Church.

The papal conclave, which gathered for the first time on Wednesday, has moved remarkably swiftly, reaching their decision on just the second day of voting. For context, Pope Francis was elected in 2013 on the fifth ballot, and Pope Benedict XVI was selected in 2005 on the fourth. This time, the conclave’s quick conclusion echoes historical precedents: the last time a pope was selected on the very first day was way back in 1503, when Pope Julius II was elected.

The process is steeped in ancient rituals. The College of Cardinals, which currently includes 252 members, selects the pope through a series of secret ballots. However, only 133 cardinals under the age of 80 were eligible to vote this time. A two-thirds majority is required for a candidate to be elected pope.

Once a name is chosen, the selected cardinal is asked if he accepts the role and what papal name he will take. After his acceptance, the conclave formally concludes, and the world waits for the grand reveal when the new pope steps onto the balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square.

At this hour, the Vatican has not yet announced the identity of the new pope, but thousands have already gathered in the square, cheering and waving flags in anticipation. The global Catholic community, more than 1.3 billion strong, is watching closely as the Church ushers in a new era of leadership.

We will continue to follow this developing story and bring you the name of the new pope as soon as it’s officially announced.

Reporting by Megan Owen