Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost Elected As The New Pope

Worldwide celebrations erupted amongst Catholic trustworthy after white smoke billowed from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel.

However, the identification of the brand new pontiff wasn’t instantly revealed as folks needed to look forward to an hour earlier than the brand new Pope greeted them from St Peter’s Basilica’s primary balcony.

With his election, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost turns into the primary American Pope.

Born in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV’s rise comes regardless of the Vatican’s conventional reluctance towards a U.S.-born pope, given America’s secular international energy.

A reasonable determine, he was appointed cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023 and held a senior function within the influential Dicastery for Bishops, which oversees the worldwide number of bishops. He additionally brings deep missionary expertise, having served as a bishop in Chiclayo, Peru.

These credentials might assist bridge issues throughout the Church, providing hope for unity as a brand new period of management begins underneath Pope Leo XIV.

The course of to elect a brand new pope for the Catholic Church started on Wednesday, May 7, 11 days after Pope Francis was buried on April 26.

Wednesday’s voting course of uncharacteristically lasted hours longer than anticipated, however did not result in the election of a brand new pope. Black smoke got here out of the chimney, indicating no pope was chosen.

Catholics used to the election course of weren’t shocked {that a} pope wasn’t chosen after day one of many conclave, because the final two popes have been elected after two days.

Pope Benedict XVI’s 2005 election lasted two days and required 4 ballots, whereas his successor, Pope Francis’s election, took two days and 5 ballots.

Four ballots have been scheduled for Thursday’s spherical of voting among the many cardinals, with the primary concluded at 10:30 am native time in Rome. Again, no pope was elected after that spherical.

However, after the second spherical of voting, white smoke was seen coming from the Sistine Chapel, resulting in screams of pleasure amongst these gathered on the Basilica and people watching worldwide.

The election of a brand new pope needed to happen following the demise of Pope Francis.

The Vatican introduced his demise on Easter Monday by way of an announcement made by His Eminence, Cardinal Farrell.

The assertion started, “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.”

It continued, “At 7:35 this morning (local time), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.”

Farrell additionally stated, “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalized.”

He concluded, “With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”

Following Pope Francis’s passing, it was revealed that he died following a stroke and irreversible coronary heart failure.

Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, the Vatican’s doctor, revealed that the Pope had slipped right into a coma shortly earlier than his demise.

Just two months earlier, Pope Francis had been hospitalized with double pneumonia and bronchitis, sparking international concern about his well being.

Despite showing in public for a quick Easter Sunday assembly with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, his situation reportedly worsened in a single day.

According to TMZ, the Pope requested a humble burial, asking to be laid to relaxation on the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, with a easy tomb marked solely “Franciscus.”