How is a new pope officially announced?

The Cardinals from around the world are now in Rome, Italy to attend the Conclave that will elect the 267th pope that will be held in the Sistine Chapel.

A majority of two-thirds plus one is needed for election. If no one is elected after 13 days, a run-off is held between the two leading candidates but a two-thirds plus one majority is still needed. This is to promote unity and discourage seeking compromise candidates.

When the conclave has elected a pope, he is asked if he accepts and which name he wishes to take. If he declines, the procedure starts again.

The new pope dons white vestments that have been prepared in three sizes and sits on a throne in the Sistine Chapel to receive the other cardinals, who pay homage and pledge obedience.

The world will know that a pope has been elected when an official burns the paper ballots with special chemicals to make white smoke pour out of the chapel's chimney. Black smoke indicates an inconclusive vote.

The senior elector among the cardinal deacons, currently French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, steps on to the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica to announce to the crowds in the square "Habemus Papam" (We have a Pope).

After the Conclave that elected Pope Francis, UCANews reported, it was French Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran who declared on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica on March 13, 2013: "Habemus papam!"

The new pope then appears and gives the crowd his first blessing as pontiff. — Reuters with BAP, GMA Integrated News