A seagull perched on the roof of the Sistine Chapel appeared to regurgitate a rat as white smoke poured out of the sacred building’s chimney, signifying a new Pope had been chosen.
Millions of people acrossed the globe were watching a livestream of the chimney in eager anticipation of the imminent Catholic announcement just before 6pm local time in Rome.
At first, a beautiful baby grey chick appeared alongside the adult seagull on the roof.
“It’s amazing isn’t it, and we just saw a beautiful sign of a baby chick,” a male presenter on CBS News said.
“It’s a sign of a new creation, and that’s exactly what is happening in this moment.”
“It must be a sign of rebirth,” added network correspondent Norah O’Donnell.
But moments later, the touching scene took an unexpected turn as the adult seagull vomited up a small rodent and began feeding it to its chick.
Social media erupted.
“At the very beginning of the video, a seagull is vomiting a rat so that its baby could have its meal,” wrote one observer on X. “39 seconds later, Pope is announced.”
“This is certainly an omen. Time will tell us of what kind,” he added.
When the smoke rose soon after — signaling the College of Cardinals had chosen a successor to Pope Francis — thousands of followers packed below in St Peter’s Square cheered.
Crowds of people rushed towards the square to watch the balcony of the basilica, which was fitted out with red curtains for the first address to the world by the 267th pope.
Robert Francis Prevost, who has a history of missionary work in Peru, was named the first pope from the United States.
- With AFP