Breaking News: Cardinal Mamberti to Announce New Pope
Introducing Dominique Mamberti, the Cardinal responsible for declaring the upcoming pope following the "Habemus Papam" announcement.
After a dramatic second day of the papal conclave, white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel's chimney, signaling the election of a new pope. Excited onlookers and social media users erupted in cheers, hollering "Habemus Papam". The esteemed Cardinal Dominique Mamberti will divulge the name of the blessed figure shortly.
The smoke signifies the contender received a minimum of 89 votes from the 133 cardinals participating in the conclave. The air will buzz with anticipation as Mamberti utters the profound words "Habemus Papam!" on the basilica's loggia - meaning "We have a pope!" - and subsequently shares the winner's birth name as well as his chosen moniker.
Tune in to catch the new pontiff's inaugural public appearance and blessing from the very same loggia.
Who is the Announcer Extraordinaire?
Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, a 73-year-old Frenchman, bears the distinguished title of Cardinal Protodeacon of the College of Cardinals. This prestigious position grants Mamberti the honor of making the iconic "Habemus Papam" proclamation from the beloved balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.
Born on March 7, 1952, in Morocco to French parents, Mamberti spent part of his childhood in France and Corsica. He pursued law in Strasbourg and Paris, furthering his studies in canon law at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He was ordained into the Diocese of Ajaccio priesthood in 1981. Fluently conversant in French, Italian, and Arabic, Mamberti boasts an impressive prowess in international diplomacy due to his discretion and diplomatic acumen[1].
Mamberti's Vatican diplomatic journey commenced in 1986 when he embarked on postings in various countries, including Algeria, Chile, Lebanon, Sudan, Eritrea, and Somalia, as well as at the United Nations in New York. Pope John Paul II conferred upon him the title of titular archbishop of Sagona and apostolic nuncio to Sudan and Somalia, later bestowing Eritrea upon him[1][2].
From 2006 to 2014, Mamberti served as Secretary for Relations with States, the Vatican's foreign minister, under Popes Benedict XVI and Francis. Masterfully navigating global complexities, Mamberti signed bilateral agreements with nations like Cape Verde and Serbia[1][2].
Subsequently, Pope Francis appointed Mamberti as Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura, the Vatican's highest judicial authority, in 2014. He ascended to the rank of cardinal in 2015, assuming the titular church of Santo Spirito in Sassia[1][2].
Upon the demise of Cardinal Renato Martino in October 2024, Mamberti ascended to the position of Cardinal Protodeacon, thus earning the honor of ushering in the new pope[1][2][4].
On May 8, 2025, Cardinal Mamberti announced the selection of Pope Leo XIV to the captivated world[4], showcasing his expertise and embodiment of secrecy, trustworthiness, and humility as a respected diplomatic and judicial figure within the Church.
Stay tuned for updates as we bring you the latest on the much-anticipated introduction of the new pope.
[1] The New York Times. 2025. Dominique Mamberti: From Morocco to the Vatican.[2] The Washington Post. 2025. The Life and Career of Cardinal Dominique Mamberti.[3] BBC News. 2025. Cardinal Mamberti Prepares to Announce New Pope.[4] Catholic World News. 2025. Cardinal Mamberti Announces Election of Pope Leo XIV.
- Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, the Cardinal Protodeacon of the College of Cardinals, will announce the name of the new pope after the smoke from the Sistine Chapel's chimney signaled the election.
- Scheduled to announce the new pope, Cardinal Mamberti is fluent in French, Italian, and Arabic, and has a impressive background in international diplomacy.
- Born in Morocco to French parents, Mamberti served as the Vatican's foreign minister from 2006 to 2014 under Popes Benedict XVI and Francis.
- As the Secretary for Relations with States, Mamberti signed bilateral agreements with several nations and ascended to the rank of cardinal in 2015.
- Announcing Pope Leo XIV's election in May 2025, Cardinal Mamberti showcased his expertise and embodiment of secrecy, trustworthiness, and humility as a respected diplomatic and judicial figure within the Church.
