Daijiworld Media Network - Vatican City

Vatican City, May 8: In a historic development, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States has been elected as the 267th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the papal name Leo XIV. He is the first cardinal from the USA to ascend to the papacy, marking a significant milestone in the Church's history. 

The announcement came as white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling that the 133 cardinal electors had reached the required two-thirds majority. Crowds in St. Peter’s Square erupted in cheers, and the basilica's bells pealed, celebrating the election of the new Pope.

Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, the senior cardinal deacon, appeared on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to proclaim the traditional “Habemus Papam” (“We have a Pope”), revealing Cardinal Prevost as the newly elected pontiff. 

Inside the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV donned the white papal cassock and the ceremonial Fisherman’s Ring, symbolizing his succession to St Peter. He then emerged onto the Loggia of the Blessings to deliver his first apostolic blessing, Urbi et Orbi (“to the city and the world”), addressing both the faithful gathered in the square and millions watching worldwide. 

Addressing the cheering crowd in Italian, the new Pope said: "Peace be with all of you."

"Brothers and sisters dearest, this is the first greeting of Christ resurrected. I would like to offer a greeting of peace to reach your families, all of you, wherever you are. May peace be with you," he said.

Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Pope Leo XIV has had a distinguished ecclesiastical career. He served as the Prior General of the Augustinian Order from 2001 to 2013 and was appointed Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru in 2015. In 2023, he was appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. His extensive experience in both pastoral and administrative roles, along with his missionary work in Peru, has been widely recognized. 

Pope Leo XIV's election is seen as a continuation of the Church's efforts to embrace a more global perspective, reflecting its diverse and widespread congregation. His leadership is anticipated to bring a blend of pastoral sensitivity and administrative acumen to the papacy. 

Significantly, he is also the second successive Pope from the Americas after the Argentinian-born Pope Francis.

 As the Church enters this new chapter under Pope Leo XIV's guidance, Catholics around the world look forward to his vision and leadership in navigating the challenges and opportunities of the modern era.

Earlier Report 

White smoke signals new Pope: Cardinals elect successor to St Peter 

Daijiworld Media Network - Vatican City

Vatican City, May 8: A new Pope has been elected following a conclave attended by 133 cardinal electors, who have been sequestered inside the Vatican since Wednesday. The decisive moment came as white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney, confirming that the cardinals had reached the required two-thirds majority. The sight of the smoke sent thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square into rapturous celebration, with cheers erupting and bells pealing from the towering basilica.

The identity of the new pope will be revealed shortly by Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, the senior cardinal deacon, who is expected to appear on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica—the Loggia of the Blessings—and deliver the traditional proclamation: “Habemus Papam” (“We have a pope”).

Inside the Vatican’s cloistered halls, the newly elected pontiff is preparing for his first appearance. He will choose his papal name, a symbolic act often interpreted as a signal of the kind of pope he intends to be. He will then don the white papal cassock and the ceremonial Fisherman’s Ring, symbolizing his succession to St. Peter.

Afterward, the new Pope will be led through the Hall of Benedictions and onto the balcony to greet the faithful. He is expected to deliver his first apostolic blessing, Urbi et Orbi (“to the city and the world”), addressing both the crowd in the square and millions watching worldwide.

Note on timeframe

There is no fixed timeframe for when the Pope must appear following the election. Traditionally, however, the announcement and appearance occur within 30 to 60 minutes after the white smoke, depending on the pace of preparations and vesting.