White Smoke Rises from Sistine Chapel: A New Pope Is Chosen
Rabat – A new Pope was officially elected today to lead the Catholic Church, following the passing of Pope Francis last month.
On Thursday afternoon, white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney, an age-old signal that the conclave of cardinals had reached a decision on its second day. Notably, analysts say that the fact that the pope was elected this quickly with the largest group of cardinals – 133 – means that the person is most likely a known contender.
Soon after, the bells of St. Peter's Basilica began ringing, with crowds in the Vatican's main square busting into applause and tears in celebration. People are waiting with much anticipation at St. Peter's Square for the new pope to come out on the Vatican balcony and greet the world.
The 267th Pope was elected after four rounds of votes, similar to Pope Benedict XVI, who was elected after four votes in two days in 2005.
'The first vote sets out where support lies, and then it very quickly becomes a two-horse race, because cardinals shift their support to leading candidates,' CNN Vatican correspondent Christopher Lamb said.
Pope Francis was elected in 2013 after five ballots over two days.
The late beloved Pope passed away on April 21 at the age of 88, just a day after addressing crowds on Easter Sunday
He had been discharged from the hospital following weeks of treatment for an infection shortly before his passing.
The Pope's passing was a devastating shock to the Vatican and led to an outpouring of tributes from Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Ya Biladi
2 days ago
- Ya Biladi
Morocco's $260 million Javelin Missile deal with the U.S. moves forward
Pending Congressional approval, Morocco's order for 612 Javelin missiles was published in the U.S. Federal Register on May 27. This potential sale, valued at $260 million (or 2.61 billion dirhams), has already received the green light from the State Department, as announced by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency in a statement on March 19. «This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a Major Non-NATO Ally that continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in North Africa», the statement added. This marks the first major U.S. arms sale to Morocco announced since Donald Trump's return to the White House on January 20. It was followed, on April 15, by a proposal to sell the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) 600 FIM-92K Stinger Block I missiles and related equipment for an estimated $825 million (approximately 7.7 billion dirhams). As with the Javelin order, this deal is also awaiting Congressional approval. During Trump's first term, Morocco signed major contracts with the U.S. military industry, including the 2019 purchase of 24 Apache helicopters for $1.5 billion, 25 new F-16 Block 72 fighter jets for $3.787 billion, and the upgrade of 23 older F-16s for $985.2 million.
Ya Biladi
7 days ago
- Ya Biladi
African Lion 2025 wraps up with Morocco at the heart of multinational security
The 21st edition of the African Lion 2025 military exercise has concluded this week after mobilizing over 10,000 troops from 50+ nations across Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia, announces a press release. For the first time, the exercise integrated defensive cyber operations and expanded CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) scenarios, alongside joint academic training. U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, Commander of U.S. Africa Command, praised Morocco's role: «I want to thank Morocco for hosting African Lion and helping strengthen our collective security through rigorous, multinational training». Highlighting Morocco's strategic importance, U.S. Embassy Chargée d'Affaires Aimee Cutrona said, «As a major non-NATO ally and historic security partner, Morocco plays a pivotal role in promoting regional stability». The exercise featured HIMARS fire missions, airborne and amphibious operations, maritime interdiction, and humanitarian civic assistance programs that treated over 1,200 patients in rural areas. «Our medical personnel built readiness by executing critical war-time skills», noted U.S. Army Col. Kelley Togiola. Maj. Gen. Andrew Gainey, Commanding General of SETAF-AF, summed up AL25's impact: «African Lion 25 was a clear demonstration of how we project power, build trust, and deliver results… That's what readiness looks like—and that's what deterrence demands».
Maroc
19-05-2025
- Maroc
Govt. Head Represents HM the King at Pope Leo XIV's Inaugural Mass as Pontiff
Representing His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Commander of the Faithful, Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch took part in the official inaugural Mass for Pope Leo XIV's pontificate, held Sunday morning in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican. Several heads of state and government attended the investiture ceremony of Pope Leo XIV, elected as the Head of the Catholic Church. Following the Mass, Akhannouch greeted Pope Leo XIV, who then received the various heads of delegations in St. Peter's Basilica. In a prior message, HM King Mohammed VI, Commander of the Faithful, had extended His congratulations and best wishes to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV upon his investiture as pontiff. "The Kingdom of Morocco and the Holy See, as the custodians of longstanding diplomatic and spiritual traditions, are united by time-honored ties rooted in fraternal understanding and mutual esteem," the Sovereign underlined, adding that they are "also united by an unwavering commitment to peace and the principles of living together." HM the King added that as "a land of fraternal coexistence between the followers of the monotheistic religions, the Kingdom of Morocco works tirelessly to promote a spirit of solidarity and harmony between different peoples and civilizations." This privileged relationship between Morocco and the Holy See, the Sovereign explained, "will continue in the same spirit of brotherhood, friendship and mutual understanding." HM the King expressed the hope that "these ties will be further strengthened to support and promote the ongoing dialogue between Muslims and Christians, in keeping with universal human values and the precepts shared by the monotheistic religions." (MAP: 18 May 2025)
