Pope elected: Robert Francis Prevost chosen as the first American pope, adopts name Leo XIV
A multitude of enthusiastic individuals flooded St Peter's Square, their faces beaming with excitement as Prevost made his inaugural appearance. The newly appointed pope smiled, waved, and bowed, declaring to the crowd, "Peace be with you."
The white smoke billowing from the Sistine Chapel chimney had signified his election in the secretive conclave, causing church bells to ring out in celebration throughout Rome. The gathering was eager to witness the first address from the red-draped balcony, marking the beginning of the new leader's reign over the world's 1.4 billion Catholics.
Pope Leo XIV took the reins from the progressive Argentine reformer, Pope Francis, who passed away last month at 88 following his 12-year papacy. The new pope was introduced to the world in Latin, surrounded by jubilant scenes, as one priest stood atop another's shoulders waving a Brazilian flag, and another held a crucifix aloft in exultation.
Joseph Brian, a chef from Belfast, found the experience overwhelming. "I'm not an overly religious person, but being here with all these people just blew me away," he shared with the French news agency AFP.
The inner workings of the papal conclave remain shrouded in secrecy. Cardinals are sworn to absolute secrecy under the threat of excommunication, with no communication allowed beyond the chapel's walls. In this internationally diverse conclave, black smoke on Wednesday and Thursday afternoon indicated inconclusive ballots. However, white smoke later confirmed the election of a new pope on the second day of voting.
The new pope masterfully navigated a series of intense votes, with the election swaying between candidates. Ancient traditions persisted as the chosen one wept in the "Room of Tears" before donning the papal vestments for the first time and receiving the cardinals' pledge of obedience.
Pope Leo XIV assumes his role amidst a divided Church and a world grappling with conflict, further complicated by the ongoing fallout from the global clerical sexual abuse scandal. The global community eagerly awaits his leadership, particularly with the anticipated unveiling of his vision and priorities during his inaugural Mass in St Peter's Square.
The election unfolded against a backdrop of global instability, placing great importance on the electors' decisions. The legacy of Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, was not guaranteed to continue with many candidates offering a contrasting leadership style.
Officials estimate Pope Leo XIV's investiture ceremony to take place within a week. World leaders will flock to Rome to honor the new pontiff during this grand gathering.
- The world's attention is signalling the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, as a diverse group of cardinals elected him, following an inconclusive series of votes in the Sistine Chapel.
- The news of his election spread rapidly on social-media platforms, sparking debate about the direction his reign might take in terms of environment, politics, pop-culture, and general-news.
- Some celebrities and personalities have expressed their views, while United States politicians are keen to understand the implications for international relations.
- The new pope, though taking the reins amidst a divided Church and a world grappling with conflict, faces high expectations due to the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
- In many ways, the attendance at his inaugural Mass will serve as a barometer for the continued influence of social-media, entertainment, and politics on the Church and Church leadership.
- With the upcoming address from the red-draped balcony, Pope Leo XIV is expected to signal his intentions towards reforms, particularly addressing the ongoing fallout from the global clerical sexual abuse scandal.
- As the global community awaits his leadership during his inaugural Mass, some remain skeptical given the polarizing nature of the election and the inconclusive results, marking a slightly unconventional start to his papacy.
