Pope Leo XIV live updates: Cardinal hopes Pope Leo will 'build a bridge' with Trump

A marching brass band in blue uniforms led a contingent of Swiss guards through the crowd to a central spot below the balcony, generating another huge roar from the crowd.

The Pontifical Swiss Guard is the official security force of the Vatican, and holds a ceremonial and a protective function.

And now more marching bands are celebrating the election of a new pope in a parade that includes large groups in military dress uniforms.

"Vivi il Papa!" erupts from the crowd whenever the music pauses.

That's where a cardinal will soon emerge to "to proclaim a new pope to Rome and to the world."

There is incredible excitement - the crowd is roaring, and some are shouting "hallelujah!"

Thousands of people have gathered in Vatican Square to witness the first appearance of the newly elected pope.

White smoke was released from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel on Thursday evening, signifying that the 133 voting cardinals reached a two-thirds majority to chose the next leader of the Catholic Church.

Crowds cheered as the smoke emerged and the bells of St. Peter's Basilica rang.

The new pope is expected to address the crowd next to the iconic red velvet curtains lining the central balcony of the basilica.

The conclave to elect the 267th pope ended after the second day of voting on Thursday, marking one of the shortest conclaves in history.

There are only two other instances in recent history where a pontiff was elected after only two days of voting, first for Pope Benedict XVI in 2005 and the second for Pope Francis in 2013.