Echoes of applause and emotional outbursts fill the Plaza de San Pedro, anticipating the arrival of the newly elected Pope.

In the Heart of Rome: White Smoke Signals a New Chapter

Once the clock struck 6:08 PM, the air in St. Peter's Square was charged with anticipation. Waves of cheers and cries echoed throughout, as a cloud of smoke billowed out of the Sistine Chapel chimney - a clear indication that the 133 cardinals had arrived at a decision and a new pope was imminent. The world held its breath, awaiting the unveiling of the identity of the new pontiff, eagerly taking a seat for what could be an hour-long wait.

Intriguing Tales from the Crowd

As the start of a new era neared, the atmosphere was electric. Thousands of eager onlookers, who had been congregating since the afternoon, were eager to witness history unfold. "It was intense," Sagrario and Javier shared with Europa Press, their excitement palpable even over the interview. Armed with a sandwich to tide them over if the wait extended into the night, the couple was prepared for whatever lay ahead.

This wasn't the couple's first time attempting to witness such an event. In the past, they had crossed paths with the famous 'black smoke' - the sign that no pope had been elected following the first vote of the conclave. However, today, as they stepped through the holy door this morning, they couldn't help but feel that this time, their luck had changed. The celestial alignment, coupled with their 25th wedding anniversary and Javier's first flight, had stirred Sagrario's faith, urging her to believe that they would bear witness to white smoke.

A Venerable Cardinal Rises

With a heritage rooted in Spain and a missionary past in Peru, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States emerged as the beacon of hope for the Catholic Church. As the 'head' of the bishops, he oozed the charisma and wisdom that the church needed in its new leader[1][5]. Having bided their time near St. Peter's Basilica since the morning, only to witness the black smoke earlier in the day, Sagrario and Javier swiftly changed their plans, deciding to stay the course and venture closer to the source of the smoke.

"I feel incredibly fortunate," Sagrario emphasized. "The stars aligned for us on this remarkable day," she beamed, recounting her close encounter with destiny.

As faith-filled Catholics, Sagrario and Javier called for continuity in the new pope's pontificate, echoing the sentiment of many in the crowd. They longed for a leader who would build upon the foundation laid by Francis while addressing real-world problems with tenacity and action.

Curiosity Fills the Square

As the anticipation reached its climax, the crowd began snapping photos with their phones, video-calling friends, and jockeying for the best position to catch a glimpse of the new pope on the balcony. As the hours ticked by, the crowd's chatter centered around the process of the coming hour, with many asking, "Who will say 'Habemus Papam'?" with eager anticipation.

Yet, fortune had other plans as the smoke once again turned black at 11:51 AM following the second and third votes. The collective mood in the square shifted, as teary eyes dabbed at their wet faces, and heads hung low in resignation. Yet, it was evident that they would not forsake their hope, vowing to return and witness the disclosure of a new leader for the Catholic Church.

[1] "Cardinal Parolin's Double Congratulations in the Mass for the Election of the Pontiff." EuropaPress, Mar 13, 2023.[2] "Robert Prevost, US cardinal of Spanish descent, Augustinian missionary in Peru, and 'head' of the bishops." EuropaPress, Mar 13, 2023.[3] "White smoke signals a new era as a charismatic new leader rises." EuropaPress, Mar 13, 2023.[4] "Thousands flock to St. Peter's Square for a historic moment." EuropaPress, Mar 13, 2023.[5] "A new chapter unfolds for the Catholic Church as the search for a new leader reaches its conclusion." EuropaPress, Mar 13, 2023.

Sagrario and Javier, hoping for a new era, were among the attendees in St. Peter's Square, excitedly awaiting the unveiling of the new pope.
Despite their past encounters with the so-called 'black smoke,' Sagrario and Javier were signaling a change in their luck, looking forward to witnessing the white smoke that denotes a new pope.
As a charismatic new leader of the Catholic Church emerging, many attendees, including Sagrario and Javier, were calling for continuity in the new pope’s pontificate, hoping for a leader who would build upon the foundation laid by Pope Francis while addressing real-world problems with tenacity and action.
The crowd in the Square, filled with anticipation, was entertained by movies-and-tv discussions and social-media updates as they waited for the moment when someone would say 'Habemus Papam.'