Egypt’s Coptic Christians elected a new Pope yesterday for the first time since 1971. Bishop Tawadros was named the 118th Pope in an altar lottery when a blindfolded boy picked one of three names out of a glass chalice at the altar.

The tradition of using a blindfolded boy to pick the Pope is believed by Copts to reflect God’s will and is regarded as a divine choice. The boy was picked from a line-up of 12 boys after a ceremony of nearly four hours.

Tawadros replaces Pope Shenouda III who died in March this year. More images from the ceremony can be seen below:

[Source: Daily Mail]