Live from St. Peter’s Square: White Smoke! Habemus Papam!
The world rejoices as white smoke—fumata bianca—rises from the Sistine Chapel, signaling the successful election of the new Pope, the 267th Successor of Saint Peter. Cardinals from across the globe, united in faith and discernment, have fulfilled their sacred duty. Soon, the name of the new Bishop of Rome will be revealed from the Loggia of Blessings in St. Peter’s Basilica with the words: Habemus Papam!
According to the Ordo Rituum Conclavis and the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, a Cardinal has received the required two-thirds majority—89 votes—and the canonical election has taken place. In Latin, he is asked: “Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?” Upon acceptance, he is asked: “By what name do you wish to be called?”
After acceptance, the ballots are burned, producing the white smoke. The newly elected Pope enters the “Room of Tears,” where he changes into the papal garments and spends a moment in prayer. Then, he returns to the Sistine Chapel, where a brief ceremony of welcome takes place, including the reading of the Gospel and the singing of the Te Deum.
Cardinals one by one pledge their obedience. Then, before facing the world, the new Pope enters the Pauline Chapel to pray before the Blessed Sacrament—an intimate moment of communion before his first public act as Shepherd of the Universal Church.
Watch “First Regina Caeli prayer with Pope Leo XIV| Live from the Vatican | May 11, 2025 |
Live from St. Peter’s Square, follow with us the first Regina Caeli prayer with Pope Leo XIV.
MEET THE NEW POPE: Pope Leo XIV
American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a member of the Order of St. Augustine, has been elected as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church and will be known as Pope Leo XIV. A missionary bishop and former Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, Pope Leo XIV has served the Church faithfully in Chiclayo, Peru, and brings with him a pastoral heart deeply shaped by the Gospel and the spirituality of St. Augustine.
Birth Name and Background: He was born Robert Francis Prevost on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, USA. He is the first Pope to be born in the United States and also holds Peruvian citizenship. His American origin marks a historic moment in the Church’s two-millennia history and reflects the increasingly global nature of the Catholic Church. He earned a degree in Mathematics and Philosophy from Villanova University and later completed his doctorate in Canon Law at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome—an academic background that blends intellectual rigor with theological depth.
Religious Order: He is a member of the Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.) and the first Augustinian to become Pope in centuries. He professed his solemn vows in 1981 and served as Prior General of the Order from 2001 to 2013, gaining global pastoral and administrative experience.
Previous Roles: Before becoming Pope, he served extensively in Peru, particularly in Trujillo and Chiclayo. In Trujillo, he was a community Prior, Director of Formation, professor at the major seminary, and Judicial Vicar—playing a vital role in training future priests and ministering to the poor. His years as a missionary instilled in him a deep empathy for the marginalized and a commitment to walking with those on the peripheries.
After his return to the U.S., he was appointed Apostolic Administrator of Chiclayo in 2014 and then its Bishop in 2015. His faithful leadership in Peru was later recognized by Pope Francis, who brought him into the Vatican Curia as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in 2023 and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. These roles made him one of the most influential figures in episcopal governance worldwide, overseeing the appointment of bishops across the globe.
In 2024, he was made a Cardinal by Pope Francis and assigned the Diaconate of Saint Monica. On February 6, 2025, he was elevated to the prestigious Order of Bishops, given the suburbicarian see of Albano, placing him among the highest-ranking Cardinals.
Election: He was elected Pope on May 8, 2025, after four rounds of voting during the conclave that began on May 7 with 133 cardinal electors. His election was announced by Cardinal Dominique Mamberti with the traditional Habemus Papam.
Papal Name: He chose the name Leo XIV, likely in honor of Pope Leo XIII, known for his intellectual contributions and social teachings, especially the encyclical Rerum Novarum, which addressed the rights of workers and the responsibilities of employers. This may suggest Pope Leo XIV’s intent to engage thoughtfully with modern social and spiritual challenges.
First American Pope: His election marks a historic moment as he becomes the first Pope from the United States, reflecting the growing significance of the Church in the Americas and the universality of the Catholic faith.
Early Papacy: In his first address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV greeted the world with the words, “Peace be with all of you,” echoing Christ’s Easter greeting to his disciples. He emphasizing unity, peace, and continuity. He acknowledged the work of his predecessor, Pope Francis, and has spoken of the need for the Church to be synodal, to build bridges, and to welcome everyone with the heart of Christ.
Global Vision and Pastoral Heart: Pope Leo XIV brings with him a remarkable combination of academic formation, pastoral sensitivity, missionary zeal, and administrative wisdom. From canon law to theology, from the barrios of Peru to the Vatican halls, his life has been one of service. He is deeply committed to listening to the people of God, reforming Church governance, and renewing evangelization in a world marked by polarization and spiritual hunger.
Let Us Pray
Almighty God, we thank You for the gift of our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. Grant him wisdom, courage, and humility as he leads the Church in truth and love. May the Holy Spirit guide his every word and action, and may he be a bridge of unity for all nations. Through the intercession of Mary, Queen of Peace, strengthen him in his mission to proclaim Christ to the world. Amen.
Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/