With the emergence of white smoke from the Sistine Chapel, the Catholic Church is preparing for a momentous transition with the election of a new pope. As excitement builds among the faithful, the identity of the chosen cardinal will be revealed shortly.
New Era Awaits as White Smoke Signals New Pope Chosen
New Era Awaits as White Smoke Signals New Pope Chosen
A historic moment unfolded at the Vatican as white smoke emerges, announcing the selection of a new pope, heralding a significant transition for the Catholic Church.
In a crucial yet ceremonial process, Cardinal Dominique Mamberti of France, who has been indicated as the leading candidate, will address the congregation at St. Peter’s Basilica about an hour after the smoke signals the election. As per tradition, he will announce in Latin, “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus papam” - “I announce to you a great joy: We have a pope.” Preceding this public revelation, a flurry of activity unfolds within the Apostolic Palace. Here, Archbishop Diego Ravelli will prepare the necessary documentation - certifying that the newly-elected cardinal is ready to assume the pivotal role of the bishop of Rome, along with other essential rites. In case the new leader is not already a bishop, they will be ordained immediately.
Subsequently, the voting cardinals will extend their homage to the new pope, solidifying their allegiance to the upcoming leader. The poignant tradition continues with the new pope making a visit to the Room of Tears - a small chamber adjacent to the Sistine Chapel. In this sacred space, he will don the white papal cassock for the first time, adorned with selected garments and shoes, tailored to accommodate various sizes, revealing a deep awareness of the weight of the occasion. The Room of Tears has been named so due to accounts of previous popes who have been overwhelmed with emotion upon their election.
Only following this ceremonial clothing will the new pope step out onto the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, marking his first greeting to the faithful, ushering in a new chapter for the Roman Catholic Church.
Elisabetta Povoledo reports from Rome, focusing on Italy, the Vatican, and their cultural landscape and has contributed her expertise to journalism for 35 years.
Subsequently, the voting cardinals will extend their homage to the new pope, solidifying their allegiance to the upcoming leader. The poignant tradition continues with the new pope making a visit to the Room of Tears - a small chamber adjacent to the Sistine Chapel. In this sacred space, he will don the white papal cassock for the first time, adorned with selected garments and shoes, tailored to accommodate various sizes, revealing a deep awareness of the weight of the occasion. The Room of Tears has been named so due to accounts of previous popes who have been overwhelmed with emotion upon their election.
Only following this ceremonial clothing will the new pope step out onto the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, marking his first greeting to the faithful, ushering in a new chapter for the Roman Catholic Church.
Elisabetta Povoledo reports from Rome, focusing on Italy, the Vatican, and their cultural landscape and has contributed her expertise to journalism for 35 years.
