133 cardinals from all over the world elected Robert Francis Prevost to the 267th Pope, the first American Pontiff. Got the name Pope 14th. “Peace to be with you,” he said, pronouncing his first words as Priest And he moved.
Tens of thousands of concentrated in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican broke out in cheers when the world -renowned Robert Francis Prevost, now 14th Pope Leo, appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, smiling, greeting with two hands. Also the young Pope did not speak English, but Italian and Spanish.
White tobacco came out of the chimney of the Sistine Hat Sistina Early on Thursday night (08.05.2025) – the second day of Conclavium and a fourth vote – signaling its election. At the same time, the bells of the Basilica of St. Peter and the churches across Rome were solemnly ringing.
Pope Leo is succeeded by Argentinean Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88, after 12 years of papacy characterized by progressive reforms and focusing on compassion, man, though not without confrontation.
In addition, the new Pontiff faces huge challenges. Beyond his spiritual and symbolic role, he inherits a deeply divided church and a world plagued by conflict.
His election was decided by 133 cardinals – the largest and internationally diverse concussion in historywith participants from five continents.
Having sworn in complete secrecy under the threat of apostasy, their only signal in the outside world came through the Sistina hats.
How the American “ate” the Italian Pietro Parolin
At the same time light in backdrop The election of American cardinal Robert Prevost as a new Pope Leo ID, the Italian press is trying to throw.
It is recalled that his name was not in the dominant favorite – such as Italian Pietro Parolin and Philippine Luis Antonio Tangle – But it was heard.
According to the Repubblica newspaper, the Conclave resulted in a “man of consensus”, capable of walking in the footsteps of Francis’ predecessor. A deeply religious man “with a restrained but fascinating temperament”, “known for his hard work, excellent listener” and “ordinary in teamwork”.
The new Pope, whom His brother is used to calling ‘Rob’,“He has a great, great desire to help the oppressed and the deprived, the people who are missing,” he said, predicting that his brother would continue the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
Until yesterday he held one of the most influential positions in the Vatican, as Pope Francis had chosen him as Head of the Bishop’s appointment office.
In the succession race of Pope Francis the Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin It started as the absolute favorite. Quiet, restrained and enigmatic, Cardinal Parolin is deeply cautious. But in a time of global instability, many have thought that this could be considered an asset.
Even his supporters admitted that he lacks the radiation and the global symbolism of Francis – however, as the head of the Vatican bureaucracy over the last decade, he faithfully applied the outgoing Pope’s vision.
His critics attribute him earlier statements against the marriage of homosexuals, which he described as “defeat for humanity”, and the lack of pastoral experience. He has also received criticism of his role in negotiations with China, which required cooperation with the communist regime, and this may have been something that paid.
Who supported the new Pope
Her post Corriere della Sera He says that by noon, Parolin was alleged to have garnered 49 votes against 38 Prevost, but in the afternoon, the votes moved to the American. For Repubblica, the American Prevost gathered inter -party preferences both ideologically and geographically, as he was the least American of the Americans in the concussion after living in Peru for 20 years.
He is particularly beloved in Peru and is widely regarded as a clergyman who bridges ideological differences and borders.
Probably, according to the newspaper, Cardinal Blez Kupic of Chicago, leader of Francis and anti-Trumpy fans in the bishopric of the US, as well as other well-known cardinals appointed by the deceased Pope, supported him.
Prevost allegedly provided significant support from Latin America, but also from some loud European names.
For Repubblica, what played a role was the fact that “as a human being used to work as a team, Prevost seemed to many as the right man To make the papal power evolve into a more collective form, working with a possible bishopric and a synodical meeting, involving all the baptized in the responsibility of the Church. “
In the day the first operation of the new Pope
As announced by the Vatican, today the newly elected Pope Leo will dance in operation, in the presence of all cardinals, in the Sistine Hat.
Yesterday, the young Pope thanked the cardinals one by one who voted for him and dinner with them.
He also visited the building in which he lived in Borgo since 2023, next to the Vatican, where he greeted and blessed many partners and attendees.
On Sunday, the new Holy Father of the Roman Catholic Church will again bless the faithful in St. Peter’s Square at the end of the Divine Liturgy and will send a message, with reference to ecclesiastical and international reality.