American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost ascends to the papacy, adopting the name Leo XIV.
The New Pope: A Fresh Era Begins
Cardinal Robert Prevost, hailing from Chicago, has been announced as the new Pontiff. His election was confirmed by senior cardinal Dominique Mamberti, who stepped out onto the balcony of St Peter's Basilica to thunderous cheers.
Announcing the news, he exclaimed the iconic Latin phrase "Habemus Papam," which means "we have a pope." Thousands of people assembled in the square below, eagerly awaiting the announcement.
The 69-year-old cardinal will carry the title Leo XIV, and in his inaugural words as pope, he blessed the crowd with a simple "May peace be with all of you."
(Watch live updates: New pope elected)
Speaking about Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday, Pope Leo reflected, "The pope who blessed Rome extended his blessing to the entire world on that Easter morning. Let's follow up that blessing."
He further stressed the importance of the Church being a missionary one, stating, "Together, we must try to find out how to be a missionary church, a church that builds bridges, establishes dialogues."
He emphasized on the role of the Church as an open and welcoming community, ready to provide support to anyone in need.
Pope Leo warmly greeted his compatriots from Peru, expressing gratitude for his time there. He then requested prayers for this new mission, the Church, and peace worldwide.
"And let's ask for this special grace from Mary, our mother," he concluded.
(Read more: Who is the new pope?)
The selection took place on the second day of the conclave after white smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel at approximately 5pm (UK time) on Thursday. A total of 133 cardinals gathered in Rome for the secretive process, known as the conclave.
Before entering the building, they surrendered their phones and the premises were thoroughly swept for any hidden cameras, recording equipment, or bugs. The windows were also sealed to block spying drones.
Each cardinal swore an oath of secrecy and did not exit the Vatican until the new pope was chosen.
To be elected, the new pontiff had to secure a two-thirds majority (89 votes). After being selected, the ballots were burned in a stove with an additive to produce white smoke, indicating the decision was made. Previously, the ballots were burned with an additive to produce black smoke, signifying that the pope had not yet been selected.
(Read more: Here's how the secretive conclave works, How Sistine Chapel was transformed for the conclave)
The election was held following Pope Francis' passing on April 21, at the age of 88 due to a stroke and heart failure. Over 250,000 people attended his funeral on April 27 at the Vatican.
Understanding the inner workings of the Papal Conclave
The Papal Conclave signifies the process by which the Roman Catholic Church chooses a new pope. This process can be broken down into the following stages:
- Preparation: The conclave begins following the death or resignation of the previous pope. Cardinals eligible to participate (typically under 80) assemble at the Vatican.
- Voting Procedure: The conclave starts with a public Mass followed by a round of voting in the afternoon. Cardinals write the name of their preferred candidate on a ballot and deposit it in an urn.
- Majority Requirement: A candidate must receive a two-thirds majority to be elected. If no candidate achieves this majority, black smoke is produced, indicating that the pope has not yet been chosen.
- Election and Acceptance: Once a candidate secures a two-thirds majority, the ballots are burned with wet straw to produce white smoke, announcing the election of a new pope. The elected cardinal is then asked if they accept the nomination and chooses their papal name.
The Papal Conclave boasts a rich history, dating back to early Christian times. Throughout the years, its practices and rules have evolved to ensure a fair and uninfluenced election.
- In the midst of general-news events, the election of a new pope, hailing from Chicago under the title Leo XIV, was confirmed at 5pm, marking a fresh era that follows Pope Francis' passing.
- The tradition of a new pope selecting a papal name was showcased when Pope Leo refrained from using Pope Francis' name, instead emphasizing on the continuation of his blessings.
- The selection process, known as the Papal Conclave, a missionary church obligation, took place at the Vatican where hakim (cardinals) swore an oath of secrecy, surrendered their phones, and blocked potential spying measures.
- The eventful day included entertainment for those following the captions of the unfolding events, as white smoke signaled the election of a new pope, diverting attention from the war-torn world momentarily to the selection of a spiritual leader from among the hakim.
