‘Habemus Papam': Singapore's Catholic archdiocese celebrates election of new Pope Leo XIV
A faithful celebrates the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the 267th pope in Vatican City, on May 8. PHOTO: BLOOMBERG
Newly elected Pope Leo XIV addresses the crowd on the main central loggia balcony of the St Peter's Basilica for the first time on May 8. PHOTO: AFP
An American flag is waved in the crowd in St. Peter's Square after Pope Leo XIV appeared at the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica following his election in Vatican City, on May 8. PHOTO: GIANNI CIPRIANO/NYTIMES
White Smoke pours out of a chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling that a new pope was elected, in Vatican City, on May 8. PHOTO: GIANNI CIPRIANO/NYTIMES
Newly-elected Pope Leo XIV appears on the balcony of St Peter's Basilica on May 8. PHOTO: REUTERS
SINGAPORE - The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore said it rejoices at the election of the new pope, and called on Catholics to pray for the newly-elected pontiff.
White smoke billowed out of the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel in the early hours of May 9 (Singapore time), signifying that a new pope had been chosen.
Around an hour later, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost made his first appearance as Pope Leo XIV on the central balcony of St Peter's Basilica, greeted by crowds waiting to see the new leader of the Catholic Church.
In a statement on May 9, Singapore's archdiocese said: 'Habemus Papam!' as it gave thanks to God for the blessing of a new 'Vicar of Christ'. The Latin phrase means 'We have a pope'.
'On Thursday, May 8, at 6.06pm Rome time, the 133 cardinal electors chose the 267th Pope,' said the archdiocese.
'We rejoice at the election of Pope Leo XIV as the successor of Saint Peter and Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church.'
It added: 'The Roman Catholic Archdiocese unites with the universal church in praying for the Holy Father as he begins his Apostolic ministry.'
Pope Leo XIV is the first American pontiff, and the 69-year-old is known for his quiet demeanour and support for the late Pope Francis.
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