Welcoming Pope Francis to the Throne
A New Chapter in the Vatican
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- Papal Election
- Pope Francis
- Vatican City, Rome
Candidates have assembled for the forthcoming pontiff selection - Vatican City: Contenders Gather for Papal Election Day
Ever since Pope Benedict XVI stepped down on February 28, 2013, the eyes of the world turned to the Vatican. The College of Cardinals, hailing from all corners of the globe, assembled in Rome to elect a new Pope. Following a historic process, they selected a man who would become known as Pope Francis. Let's delve into the background of this momentous event.
The Road to the Papal Throne
- Pope Benedict XVI’s unexpected resignation on February 28, 2013, marked the first occasion in nearly six centuries that a Pope had stepped down from his position[4].
- The cardinals prepared meticulously for the conclave, a gathering that would determine the new Pope.
The Election Procedure
- The election took place within the hallowed walls of the Sistine Chapel, where cardinals locked themselves away to cast their votes[1][2].
- To secure the papal seat, a candidate needed to garner two-thirds of the votes from the assembled cardinals[1].
- Each cardinal swore an oath of absolute secrecy prior to voting[1][2].
The Election of Pope Francis
The conclave commenced on March 12, 2013, but it wasn't until March 13 that history was made. The voting hadn't resulted in a clear winner on the first day[3]. However, after continued deliberations and four additional ballots, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, emerged victorious on the fifth ballot[4]. He would soon be known as Pope Francis, the first Jesuit Pope.
- The news of his election was broadcast to the world when white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney[2].
- Following the election, Pope Francis entered the Room of Tears, where he donned his new attire in preparation for his first public appearance[4].
- With a simple white cassock and his own pectoral cross, Pope Francis made his debut on the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, where he met the eager eyes of the crowd and delivered his inaugural blessing[4].
And so, Pope Francis officially stepped into his new role, signifying a new chapter for the Vatican and the world.
- The pope, Pope Francis, was elected on March 13, 2013, after a conclave that took place in the Sistine Chapel, where cardinals locked themselves away to cast their votes.
- To secure the papal seat, a candidate needed to garner two-thirds of the votes from the assembled cardinals, as in the case of Pope Francis, the first Jesuit Pope.
- The papal election in 2013 was a historic event, marking the first time in nearly six centuries that a Pope had stepped down, and Pope Francis' election was announced with white smoke billowing from the Sistine Chapel chimney.
- Upon his election, Pope Francis entered the Room of Tears, where he donned his new attire in preparation for his first public appearance, which took place on the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.
