This Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 6:10 p.m. local time in Rome (10:10 a.m. Central U.S. time), the Catholic world witnessed a historic moment: the white smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, confirming that the cardinal conclave has elected a new pope. And the new pope has been announced: Leo XIV.
Thousands of people gathered in St. Peter’s Square reacted with jubilation at the sight of the white smoke and even more when they heard the name of the American Robert Francis Prevost, 69 years old, who will take the name Leon XIV. The bells tolled and the eyes of the world turned to the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where the long-awaited “Habemus Papam” will be heard shortly, followed by the name of the new spiritual leader of the Catholic Church.
What led to this election?
The conclave began on May 7, after the traditional nine days of mourning (the Novendials).
Decreed after the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, due to a stroke.
His death marked the end of a 12-year papacy characterized by his closeness to the poor, his progressive vision and his institutional reforms.
En breve se escuchará el esperado Habemus Papam
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The election process requires that at least two-thirds of the cardinal electors (i.e., 89 of the 133 eligible to vote) agree.
Although the name of the new pontiff has not yet been announced, Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, close to Pope Francis, was among the top favorites along with Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines) and Matteo Zuppi (Italy).
What’s next?
Buzzy
After the election, the new Pope goes to the so-called “Room of Tears”, where he prays and dresses in the white cassock.
Then, the Cardinal Protodeacon will announce his election.
Finally, the new Pope will appear on the balcony to impart the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and the world) blessing.
This event is expected to mark a new stage in the history of the Catholic Church, with great impact among the Hispanic faithful in the U.S. and around the world.
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