LIVE: Atlanta Catholics watch, rejoice as conclave announces they’ve chosen a new pope

BUCKHEAD, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – The world watched Vatican City with anticipation, and on Thursday afternoon, white smoke finally billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney – signaling that a new pope has been elected.

At the Cathedral of Christ the King in Buckhead, parishioners who had gathered for mid-day mass expressed in joy as the news broke. Earlier in the day for morning mass, many parishioners arrived for quiet reflection, hoping for a sign from Rome.

“We’re taking it all in. We’re watching all of it,” Cheryl Dacey, a parishioner, said.

Inside the cathedral, worshippers said they felt spiritually connected to the 133 cardinals voting inside the Sistine Chapel – especially Cardinal Wilton Gregory, the former Archbishop of Atlanta.

“The only thing that would be better than watching it and feeling spiritually a part of it would be being there,” Dacey said.

For Jillian Dacey, the process was personal.

“It’s cool to see that somebody that confirmed me is now a part of the conclave helping to choose the next pope,” she said. “We’re all this church family, and it really does make you feel a part of it.”

Thousands gathered in Saint Peter’s Square and erupted into cheers as the white smoke appeared, confirming that the conclave had reached a decision.

White smoke pours from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling a pope has been elected to lead the Catholic Church

Many Catholics across Atlanta say they are leaning on their faith and trusting the Holy Spirit – not only for guidance in the choice but also as they now begin to embrace the leadership of the new pontiff.

“I just really hope that the Holy Spirit leads the conclave and that whoever is chosen really knows that he has our love and support because that is a really heavy weight to carry for sure,” Jillian said.

So far, it’s not clear when the conclave will announce who they’ve chosen – only adding to the tradition and pomp and circumstance of the moment.

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