Published May 08, 2025 | 11:36 PM ⚊ Updated May 08, 2025 | 11:36 PM
Pope Leo XIV (centre) made his first appearance before the gathered faithful, blessing the crowds from the central window of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Synopsis: The historic decision was first signalled by the iconic sight of white smoke billowing from the Sistine Chapel, indicating to the faithful gathered at the St. Peter’s Square and to millions worldwide that a new Pope had been chosen.
US Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost is the new leader of the Catholic Church on Thursday, 8 May, and he took the name Leo XIV.
With his election at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV became the first American pontiff, and the 267th Pope. He succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away on 21 April.
The announcement came on the second day of voting by the College of Cardinal Electors, gathered in the Sistine Chapel for the highly anticipated conclave.
The historic decision was first signalled by the iconic sight of white smoke billowing from the Sistine Chapel, indicating to the faithful gathered at the St. Peter’s Square and to millions worldwide that a new Pope had been chosen.
Shortly afterward, in accordance with centuries-old tradition, Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti appeared at the Loggia of Blessings of St. Peter’s Basilica, delivering the time-honored words: “Habemus Papam” — “We have a Pope.”
He then revealed the identity of the newly elected pontiff and the name he had chosen.
Moments later, Pope Leo XIV made his first appearance before the gathered faithful, blessing the crowds from the central window of St. Peter’s Basilica.
‘Peace be with all of you,’ Pope Leo said in his first public address
Cardinal Robert Prevost, 69, an American cleric who spent much of his ministry as a missionary in Peru, remains a relatively low-profile figure on the global stage.
Elevated to the rank of cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023, Prevost has largely stayed out of the media spotlight, seldom granting interviews or making public appearances.
A native of Chicago, Prevost has drawn quiet admiration within the Church for his understated leadership style and his steadfast support of Pope Francis’ 12-year pontificate, particularly in advancing social justice causes.
From 2015 to 2023, Prevost served as bishop of Chiclayo in northwestern Peru.
The Vatican’s official news service confirmed that the election adhered strictly to the procedures laid out in the Ordo Rituum Conclavis and the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, which governs papal elections.
On the second day of voting, one of the 133 Cardinal electors achieved the required two-thirds majority, canonically confirming his election.
As per protocol, the senior Cardinal present asked the elected Pope in Latin whether he accepted his canonical election as Supreme Pontiff. Upon receiving his consent, the newly elected Pope was asked what name he wished to be called, to which he responded: “Leo XIV.”
A formal document was then drawn up by the Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations, acting as notary, and signed in the presence of ceremonial witnesses, officially confirming the acceptance of office.
Following tradition, the new Pope returned to the Sistine Chapel where a brief ceremony took place.
The senior Cardinal Bishop offered a greeting, and a passage from the Gospel — typically, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church” or “Feed my sheep” — was read. The Protodeacon then offered a solemn prayer for the new Successor of Peter.
In a moving moment of unity, the Cardinal electors, in order of precedence, came forward one by one to greet Pope Leo XIV and pledge their obedience to him. The ceremony concluded with the singing of the Te Deum, a Latin hymn of thanksgiving, led by the newly elected Pope himself.
With the election concluded, Vatican officials, including the Substitute for the Secretariat of State and the Secretary for Relations with States, were granted entry to discuss immediate matters with the new Pontiff, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the Catholic Church.
Pope Leo XIV now steps into a role held by 266 predecessors, as Bishop of Rome and spiritual leader to over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
