As the world anticipates the reveal of the newly-elected pope, the signal of white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel chimney marks a significant moment in Catholic history. Following this announcement, there is a customary wait as officials prepare for the public's first glimpse of the new leader of the Church.
Approximately one hour after the smoke signals the election, Cardinal Dominique Mamberti of France is expected to step onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to declare, "Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus papam," meaning "I announce to you a great joy: We have a pope." This moment, similar to the election of Pope Francis in 2013, will likely unfold amidst a flurry of activity within the Apostolic Palace, as established protocols come into play.
During this preparation phase, Archbishop Diego Ravelli will create a document affirming that the newly elected cardinal agrees to accept the responsibilities of the bishop of Rome. In the event that the new pontiff is not already a bishop, he will need to be ordained immediately.
Once the formalities have been completed, the voting cardinals will formally pay their respects and pledge obedience to the new pope. The newly elected pontiff will then move to the Room of Tears, where he is expected to don the white papal cassock for the first time. This room, shrouded in tradition, is known for eliciting overwhelming emotions from newly elected popes.
After dressing in the papal vestments, the new pope will emerge to greet the public, marking the beginning of his papacy. As viewers around the world await this historic moment, preparations in the Vatican demonstrate the importance and reverence of this lengthy process.
Elisabetta Povoledo, a seasoned journalist with over 35 years of experience, reports from Rome, providing insights into Italian culture and the Vatican.
Approximately one hour after the smoke signals the election, Cardinal Dominique Mamberti of France is expected to step onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to declare, "Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus papam," meaning "I announce to you a great joy: We have a pope." This moment, similar to the election of Pope Francis in 2013, will likely unfold amidst a flurry of activity within the Apostolic Palace, as established protocols come into play.
During this preparation phase, Archbishop Diego Ravelli will create a document affirming that the newly elected cardinal agrees to accept the responsibilities of the bishop of Rome. In the event that the new pontiff is not already a bishop, he will need to be ordained immediately.
Once the formalities have been completed, the voting cardinals will formally pay their respects and pledge obedience to the new pope. The newly elected pontiff will then move to the Room of Tears, where he is expected to don the white papal cassock for the first time. This room, shrouded in tradition, is known for eliciting overwhelming emotions from newly elected popes.
After dressing in the papal vestments, the new pope will emerge to greet the public, marking the beginning of his papacy. As viewers around the world await this historic moment, preparations in the Vatican demonstrate the importance and reverence of this lengthy process.
Elisabetta Povoledo, a seasoned journalist with over 35 years of experience, reports from Rome, providing insights into Italian culture and the Vatican.
