2013 papal conclave, Conclave in Vatican City
The 2013 papal conclave was the gathering of cardinals to elect a new pope following Benedict XVI's resignation. Roughly 115 cardinal electors participated in the voting sessions held over several days in the Sistine Chapel.
This conclave followed the surprising resignation of Pope Benedict XVI in February 2013. The event marked only the second papal resignation in the modern history of the Church.
A longstanding tradition uses white smoke to signal the successful election of a new pope. People gather in Saint Peter's Square to witness this moment together.
The conclave was a closed event revealed to the public only through smoke signals and official announcements. Visitors today can tour the Sistine Chapel where the election took place.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected as the first pope from South America. His background marked a significant turning point for the global Church.
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