With the iconic white smoke signaling a new pope's election, the faithful and curious spectators alike are left in suspense about the identify of the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
New Pope Elected Amid Anticipation and Tradition
New Pope Elected Amid Anticipation and Tradition
The election of a new pope brings a blend of excitement and ritual as the Catholic Church awaits the newly appointed pontiff's announcement.
In a momentous event for the Catholic Church, white smoke has erupted from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, marking the election of a new pontiff following Pope Francis. While this moment heralds great joy for many, the identity of the newly elected pope is not made public immediately, leading to an anticipatory pause.
The ritual follows a well-established protocol that dates back to 1996. After the emergence of the smoke, it is expected that it will take at least an hour for the designated cardinal, who in this case is Cardinal Dominique Mamberti of France, to make an appearance on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. He will announce, in Latin, the news of the election with the words, “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus papam” — “I announce to you a great joy: We have a pope.” Historical precedents suggest that the newly elected pontiff will appear shortly after this announcement, reminiscent of Pope Francis's swift reveal in 2013.
While anticipation builds outside, activities within the Apostolic Palace grow increasingly fervent. As part of the ceremonial process, Archbishop Diego Ravelli, the master of papal liturgical celebrations, will prepare a document confirming the acceptance of the elected cardinal as the new bishop of Rome and head of the College of Bishops. If the new pope has not previously been a bishop, he undergoes immediate ordination.
Once the official processes are complete, it is customary for the voting cardinals to step forward and pay their respects to the newly elected pontiff, pledging their loyalty and obedience. Following this ritual, there is a significant moment in the so-called Room of Tears, where the new pope transitions into his papal garb. This intimate space has garnered its name due to reports of past popes experiencing emotional outbursts upon being elected. Various sizes of the iconic white cassock and shoes are kept on hand, acknowledging the unpredictability of the new pope's stature.
It is only after this pivotal moment that the new pope appears to the public for the first time, assuming his role as a spiritual leader to millions across the globe.
For further insights on this historic occasion, follow our extensive coverage of the outcoming pontiff’s journey and the impacts on the Roman Catholic Church.
The ritual follows a well-established protocol that dates back to 1996. After the emergence of the smoke, it is expected that it will take at least an hour for the designated cardinal, who in this case is Cardinal Dominique Mamberti of France, to make an appearance on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. He will announce, in Latin, the news of the election with the words, “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus papam” — “I announce to you a great joy: We have a pope.” Historical precedents suggest that the newly elected pontiff will appear shortly after this announcement, reminiscent of Pope Francis's swift reveal in 2013.
While anticipation builds outside, activities within the Apostolic Palace grow increasingly fervent. As part of the ceremonial process, Archbishop Diego Ravelli, the master of papal liturgical celebrations, will prepare a document confirming the acceptance of the elected cardinal as the new bishop of Rome and head of the College of Bishops. If the new pope has not previously been a bishop, he undergoes immediate ordination.
Once the official processes are complete, it is customary for the voting cardinals to step forward and pay their respects to the newly elected pontiff, pledging their loyalty and obedience. Following this ritual, there is a significant moment in the so-called Room of Tears, where the new pope transitions into his papal garb. This intimate space has garnered its name due to reports of past popes experiencing emotional outbursts upon being elected. Various sizes of the iconic white cassock and shoes are kept on hand, acknowledging the unpredictability of the new pope's stature.
It is only after this pivotal moment that the new pope appears to the public for the first time, assuming his role as a spiritual leader to millions across the globe.
For further insights on this historic occasion, follow our extensive coverage of the outcoming pontiff’s journey and the impacts on the Roman Catholic Church.
