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Hans India
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Amid a divine atmosphere, Pope Leo XIV assumes office today
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost from the United States of America is the 267th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. He is the first American to occupy the reverentially exalted position. On his election on May 8, clad in the traditional white cassock of the pontiff the new Pope, who took the name Pope Leo XIV, greeted thousands of onlookers by saying 'Peace be with you' from the balcony of the St Peter's Basilica when its centuries-old bells tolled with solemn finality, their sound rolling across the Vatican City and 'reverberating through the conscience of a global church.' His election was greeted in Vatican City, in Chicago where he was born, and in Peru, where on being appointed as bishop, he became a naturalised Peruvian citizen, before he was made a cardinal in 2023. The bells of the Catholic Cathedral in Lima, where Pope Leo XIV lived for nine years rang when the announcement came. His choice to be called Pope Leo XIV was a clear and deliberate reference to Leo XIII, the Pope from 1878 to 1903, who was acknowledged as the 'Pope of the workers.' Pope Leo XIV referred to the notion of a 'Global Church' in his first address to the faithful after his election. A secret election process involving cardinals to elect a new pope through a papal conclave, when the Holy Chair becomes vacant is exceedingly methodical. This process, which in all aspects is unique and interesting and is carried in the sacred place, the Sistine Chapel under the watchful eyes of Michelangelo's Last Judgment. This fresco is deeply intertwined with the Papal Election Process. The cardinals who vote in the conclave to elect the Pope do so within the Sistine Chapel, and they take an oath of secrecy under the gaze of the figures in 'The Last Judgment.' Fresco's depiction of Christ's Final Judgment symbolises the seriousness and significance of the papal election, which determines the future leader of the Catholic Church. The procedures of the conclave are ancient, intricate, and infused with symbolism. Each cardinal receives a ballot marked 'Eligo in Summum Pontificem' (I elect as Supreme Pontiff) and writes in their chosen candidate. They are not permitted to vote for themselves. They then fold the ballot, hold it up for visibility and carry it to the altar (table) where a ceremonial chalice (vessel) atop the altar, covered by a plate awaits. After each round of voting, the ballots are counted and burned in a special stove fitted with chemicals to signal the result to the outside world: 'Black Smoke' if no decision is reached, 'White Smoke' if a new pope has been elected. Likewise, this time also, the group of 133 cardinals reached a quick consensus and announced their decision after being in the conclave for little over 24 hours, and after several rounds of voting. As the Senior Cardinal Deacon appeared beside Robert Francis Prevost and chanted the words 'Habemus Papam' (We have a Pope), a familiar thrill surged through the gathered mass in St Peter's Square, and across the millions watching live around the world, including me on BBC. The 69-year-old Cardinal Prevost, seen as a balanced alternative, emerged as the preferred choice in the conclave. For two days, the faithful in St Peter's Square watched the chimney on the Sistine Chapel roof with eager anticipation. Black smoke curled skyward after the early votes, casting suspense into the air. Then, on the afternoon of the second day, a plume of unmistakably 'White Smoke' emerged, drawing cries of joy and wonder from the crowd. Bells rang, flags waved, and prayers rose. In that singular moment, the ancient ritual met modern expectations. Cameras zoomed in. The name announced was met with both curiosity and cautious optimism: Cardinal Robert Prevost, now Pope Robert XIV. The highly choreographed and secretive process of electing a pope thus came to an end, when Pope Leo XIV was introduced on May 8. But the oath of secrecy is generally kept for a bit longer. The days after the election, the Pope's life will be a mix of private decisions and public presentations. Celebrating Mass at the Sistine Chapel with the cardinals who voted for him, being the first among them, in the morning after his election, the Pope returned to the Chapel on Friday, May 9, and presided over his first Mass, calling for 'Missionary Outreach' to build faith in the Church. Evoking the teachings of Pope Francis, Pope delivered a lecture rich in theological references, pledging to side with 'Ordinary People' and against the rich and powerful. Addressing a solemn gathering of the cardinals, he said that 'Loss of Religious Faith' contributed to 'Appalling Violations of Human Dignity' around the world. Reciting the Regina Coeli (Marian and Christological prayer honoring the Virgin Mary during the Easter season) at St Peter's Basilica, first meeting with journalists at the Vatican, decision where he wants to live etc. will follow. Pope Leo XIV in his first official speech on May 10, delivered to the Cardinals, centered around themes of gratitude, responsibility, and the ongoing journey of the Church. He expressed his awareness of the immense burden of the Papacy and called for the 'Church to be a Missionary Force' building bridges and offering charity and dialogue to those in need. In his first Sunday noon blessing at St Peter's Basilica to an estimated one lakh people, the Pope called for peace in Ukraine and ceasefire in Gaza. Known for his calm demeanor, theological clarity, and commitment to synodality, the principle of collective judgment in Church Governance, Prevost was not a frontrunner when the conclave began. But as the early rounds of voting revealed division among the electors, his name began to gather quiet momentum, emerging as a consensus figure able to bridge the ideological currents swirling through the modern Church. His election as Pope carries both historical novelty and symbolic weight. His first appearance on the terrace was striking in its simplicity. He raised his hand in blessing, not with grand papal theatrics, but with gentle pastoral poise. In his brief address, he spoke of a Church called to listen before speaking, to heal before instructing. His emphasis on the world's wounds, on the need for unity among Christians and compassion toward all people, signalled continuity of Pope Francis's Vision, yet with a tone distinctly his own. For the next few weeks, the new Pope is expected to attract a diverse international delegation, though Pope Leo XIV insists on a modest ceremony. Recent Vatican statements indicate that his agenda will build on Pope Francis's legacy, emphasising social justice, climate action, and global equity, while introducing a renewed focus on inclusive dialogue. He may moderate divisive positions, especially on bioethics to promote unity. Sources suggest his active digital presence, including a recent tweet addressing youth, underscores his commitment to direct global engagement. The Vatican's sustainable event planning reflects his environmental priorities, signaling a papacy rooted in humility and action. A poignant image captures the essence of this historic transition. Moments after addressing the jubilant crowd, Pope Leo XIV entered St Peter's Basilica alone, pausing before Saint Peter's statue. He bowed, touched the bronze foot, and stood in silent prayer. This intimate gesture, witnessed by few but shared widely, embodied succession, service, and sacrifice. In a world grappling with division, disillusionment, and spiritual fatigue, the Church has chosen a shepherd to guide, but not to rule, with humility and hope as his cornerstones, to fulfill the vision of a Global Church set forth by Pope Leo XIV himself. Meanwhile, the Vatican has announced that Pope Leo XIV will assume office on May 18
Gulf Today
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Today
The Pope's influence extends far beyond the Catholic Church
Cardinals have entered a second day of secretive deliberations within the Vatican, as the search continues for a successor to Pope Francis. Black smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday afternoon, which signalled an unsuccessful first round of voting. The conclave, comprised of 133 eligible cardinals, reconvened on Thursday morning, tasked with electing the 267th pontiff to lead the 1.4 billion-member Roman Catholic Church through a period of global uncertainty. Here are some things to know about the election of the 267th pontiff of the Catholic Church. Why is the conclave being held now? The conclave was called after Francis died on April 21 at age 88. There was a delay between his death and the conclave to allow time for a funeral, burial and a period of mourning. It was also necessary to give cardinals time to arrive in Rome from all corners of the Earth, and to let them get acquainted before entering the conclave, an ancient ritual steeped in mystery and ritual. What happens in a conclave? The cardinals are cut off from the world while at the Vatican, between residences and the Sistine Chapel, where they vote in secret — and in silence — beneath Michelangelo's famed ceiling fresco of the Creation and his monumental 'Last Judgment.' The process — fictionalised in the 2024 political thriller 'Conclave' — is said to be guided by the Holy Spirit, and is designed to be both contemplative and free from outside interference. They began the mystery-steeped ritual of choosing a new pontiff with a morning Mass before entering in procession into the Sistine Chapel. To maintain secrecy and security, the Vatican asked cardinals to hand over their phones for the duration of the conclave and is deactivating cellphone coverage. It also was using signal jammers around the Sistine Chapel and the Domus Santa Marta hotel and adjacent residence where the cardinals are sleeping to prevent surveillance and communication with the outside world. White or black smoke signals?The electors cast paper ballots, and voting continues until one candidate receives a two-thirds majority, or 89 votes. After voting, ballots are burned in a special stove — black smoke signals no decision, while white smoke means a new pope has been chosen. Electors must be under 80 years old, and are more geographically diverse than ever. They represent Catholicism's growing presence in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, as well as its traditional power base in Europe. How long does it take?The longest conclave in history lasted nearly three years, but it's reasonable to assume that this conclave will be much, much shorter. Cardinals this week said they expect a short conclave, though it will likely take at least a few rounds of voting. For most of the past century, it has taken between three and eight ballots to find a pope. John Paul I — the pope who reigned for 33 days — was elected on the third ballot in 1978. His successor, St. John Paul II, needed eight. Francis was elected on the fifth in 2013. Who are the contenders? There are no official candidates for the papacy, but some cardinals are considered 'papabile,' or possessing the characteristics necessary to become pope. After John Paul II broke the Italian hold on the papacy in 1978, the field has broadened considerably, such that cardinals from far-flung countries are now seen as contenders. The past three popes have hailed from Poland (John Paul II), Germany (Benedict XVI) and Argentina (Francis). Of the 133 cardinals expected to vote at the conclave, 108 were appointed by Francis. They may feel a loyalty to continuing his legacy - even though the late pontiff didn't choose cardinals based on ideology, but rather for their pastoral priorities and geographical diversity. What happens after a new pope is chosen? Once a candidate receives the necessary votes and accepts, he chooses a papal name and enters the 'Room of Tears' — named for the emotional weight of the responsibility ahead — to don his papal vestments. Minutes later, he is introduced to the world from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica with the proclamation in Latin: 'Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!' ('I bring you tidings of great joy: We have a pope!') That will be immediately followed by the revelation of his baptismal name, in Latin, followed by the papal name he has chosen. Every new pope is seen as a successor to St. Peter, the apostle believed by Catholics to have been appointed by Jesus as the head of the church. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells him, 'You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church,' a verse that forms the biblical basis for the papacy. According to tradition, Peter travelled to Rome to spread the Christian message and was martyred there during the reign of the Emperor Nero, around 64 A.D., as Christians were being persecuted. St. Peter's Basilica now stands over what is believed to be his tomb. Why does the pope matter beyond the Catholic Church?Though the pope leads a religious institution, his influence extends far beyond it. Pope John Paul II played a pivotal role in supporting the Solidarity movement in his native Poland and encouraging resistance to Soviet domination in Eastern Europe. His moral leadership was credited by many with helping to hasten the end of the Cold War. Pope Francis, the first pontiff from Latin America, became a prominent voice on global issues from climate change to migration and economic inequality. He called for compassion toward refugees, warned against the dangers of nationalism, and urged action to protect the planet — stances that resonated well beyond church walls, and at times put him at odds with political leaders. The first sign of the new pope's priorities will come in the name he chooses. A Francis II might signal a new pope's embrace of Francis' legacy of prioritising the poor and marginalised; a Pius would hint at a traditionalist restoration. The Independent
Chicago Tribune
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
What to know on the second day of the conclave to elect the next pope
VATICAN CITY — Cardinals are meeting in a secret, sacred conclave for a second day as they seek a new pontiff to follow Pope Francis. The conclave opened at the Vatican on Wednesday afternoon but a first round of voting resulted in black smoke billowing from the Sistine Chapel. The 133 cardinals who are eligible to choose the next pontiff are trying again Thursday to elect a successor to Francis to guide the 1.4 billion strong Roman Catholic church at time of human upheaval. Here are some things to know about the election of the 267th pontiff of the Catholic Church. No new pope elected yet after black smoke pours out of Sistine Chapel's chimneyThe conclave was called after Francis died on April 21 at age 88. There was a delay between his death and the conclave to allow time for a funeral, burial and a period of mourning. It was also necessary to give cardinals time to arrive in Rome from all corners of the Earth, and to let them get acquainted before entering the conclave, an ancient ritual steeped in mystery and ritual. The cardinals are cut off from the world while at the Vatican, between residences and the Sistine Chapel, where they vote in secret — and in silence — beneath Michelangelo's famed ceiling fresco of the Creation and his monumental 'Last Judgment.' The process — fictionalized in the 2024 political thriller 'Conclave' — is said to be guided by the Holy Spirit, and is designed to be both contemplative and free from outside interference. They began the mystery-steeped ritual of choosing a new pontiff with a morning Mass before entering in procession into the Sistine Chapel. To maintain secrecy and security, the Vatican asked cardinals to hand over their phones for the duration of the conclave and is deactivating cellphone coverage. It also was using signal jammers around the Sistine Chapel and the Domus Santa Marta hotel and adjacent residence where the cardinals are sleeping to prevent surveillance and communication with the outside world. The electors cast paper ballots, and voting continues until one candidate receives a two-thirds majority, or 89 votes. After voting, ballots are burned in a special stove — black smoke signals no decision, while white smoke means a new pope has been chosen. Electors must be under 80 years old, and are more geographically diverse than ever. They represent Catholicism's growing presence in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, as well as its traditional power base in Europe. The longest conclave in history lasted nearly three years, but it's reasonable to assume that this conclave will be much, much shorter. Cardinals this week said they expect a short conclave, though it will likely take at least a few rounds of voting. For most of the past century, it has taken between three and eight ballots to find a pope. John Paul I — the pope who reigned for 33 days — was elected on the third ballot in 1978. His successor, St. John Paul II, needed eight. Francis was elected on the fifth in 2013. There are no official candidates for the papacy, but some cardinals are considered 'papabile,' or possessing the characteristics necessary to become pope. After John Paul II broke the Italian hold on the papacy in 1978, the field has broadened considerably, such that cardinals from far-flung countries are now seen as contenders. The past three popes have hailed from Poland (John Paul II), Germany (Benedict XVI) and Argentina (Francis). Of the 133 cardinals expected to vote at the conclave, 108 were appointed by Francis. They may feel a loyalty to continuing his legacy — even though the late pontiff didn't choose cardinals based on ideology, but rather for their pastoral priorities and geographical diversity. Once a candidate receives the necessary votes and accepts, he chooses a papal name and enters the 'Room of Tears' — named for the emotional weight of the responsibility ahead — to don his papal vestments. Minutes later, he is introduced to the world from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica with the proclamation in Latin: 'Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!' ('I bring you tidings of great joy: We have a pope!') That will be immediately followed by the revelation of his baptismal name, in Latin, followed by the papal name he has chosen. Every new pope is seen as a successor to St. Peter, the apostle believed by Catholics to have been appointed by Jesus as the head of the church. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells him, 'You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church,' a verse that forms the biblical basis for the papacy. According to tradition, Peter traveled to Rome to spread the Christian message and was martyred there during the reign of the Emperor Nero, around 64 A.D., as Christians were being persecuted. He was said to be crucified upside down at his own request, considering himself unworthy to die in the same manner as Jesus. St. Peter's Basilica now stands over what is believed to be his tomb. Though the pope leads a religious institution, his influence extends far beyond it. Pope John Paul II played a pivotal role in supporting the Solidarity movement in his native Poland and encouraging resistance to Soviet domination in Eastern Europe. His moral leadership was credited by many with helping to hasten the end of the Cold War. Pope Francis, the first pontiff from Latin America, became a prominent voice on global issues from climate change to migration and economic inequality. He called for compassion toward refugees, warned against the dangers of nationalism, and urged action to protect the planet — stances that resonated well beyond church walls, and at times put him at odds with political leaders. The first sign of the new pope's priorities will come in the name he chooses. A Francis II might signal a new pope's embrace of Francis' legacy of prioritizing the poor and marginalized; a Pius would hint at a traditionalist restoration.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Black smoke pours from the Sistine Chapel on day 2 of the conclave. We answer your questions on how the next pope will be elected.
The conclave to select the successor to Pope Francis began Wednesday in Vatican City, where cardinals from around the world gathered to take part in the mysterious process that has been used for centuries to choose the next leader of the 1.4 billion-member Roman Catholic Church. Francis died on April 21 at the age of 88, setting into motion a highly choreographed series of events and rituals that culminated in the papal conclave. Here's a rough guide to how it works. There are 252 cardinals, but only those under the age of 80 are allowed to participate in the conclave. In this case, 133 cardinals are taking part. Even with the age cutoff, the average age of this conclave is 70. There are just 15 members who are under the age of 60 and only one who is younger than 50. This year's conclave has members from more than 70 countries, including 10 from the United States. Before the conclave began, the cardinals took oaths of secrecy and turned over their cellphones before checking into one of two Vatican guesthouses, where are being sequestered without access to television, newspapers or the internet. The 133 cardinals convene behind the closed doors of the Sistine Chapel to cast their ballots in front of Michelangelo's 'Last Judgment.' A two-thirds majority is needed to declare the winner. If no candidate reaches that threshold, the voting continues, with the conclave holding two votes in the morning and two in the afternoon per day until the next pope is found. Yes and no. The Academy Award-winning film directed by Edward Berger and starring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, Isabella Rossellini and John Lithgow gets many of the details right, according to experts and church observers. But it also gets some of them wrong — like receiving information from outside the conclave. The ballots are burned after each vote, and the smoke from them will emanate from a chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel. Chemicals are added to make the smoke black or white. Black smoke means no candidate reached the two-thirds majority, and the voting will continue. White smoke means a candidate received the two-thirds majority, and a new pope has been chosen. There is no time limit for the conclave to elect a pope, but the last three have taken three days or less: Pope Francis was elected after five ballots over two days. Pope Benedict XVI was elected after four ballots over two days. Pope John Paul II was elected after eight ballots over three days. In order to become pope, a candidate needs only to be baptized Roman Catholic and male. But for centuries, only cardinals have been chosen for the papacy. And nearly all have been from Europe. Francis, who was from Argentina, was the first pope born outside of Europe in more than 1,200 years, giving hope to candidates from other places, like Africa and Asia. The intense secrecy of the conclave process means there's only so much forecasting that can be done ahead of it. But here are some popular names that may get consideration.
France 24
08-05-2025
- Politics
- France 24
Cardinals set for second day of conclave to choose a new pope
Cardinals are meeting in a secret, sacred conclave for a second day as they seek a new pontiff to follow Pope Francis. The conclave opened at the Vatican on Wednesday afternoon but a first round of voting resulted in black smoke billowing from the Sistine Chapel. The 133 cardinals who are eligible to choose the next pontiff are trying again Thursday to elect a successor to Francis to guide the 1.4 billion strong Roman Catholic church at time of human upheaval. Here are some things to know about the election of the 267th pontiff of the Catholic Church. The conclave was called after Francis died on April 21 at age 88. There was a delay between his death and the conclave to allow time for a funeral, burial and a period of mourning. It was also necessary to give cardinals time to arrive in Rome from all corners of the Earth, and to let them get acquainted before entering the conclave, an ancient ritual steeped in mystery and ritual. The cardinals are cut off from the world while at the Vatican, between residences and the Sistine Chapel, where they vote in secret – and in silence – beneath Michelangelo's famed ceiling fresco of the Creation and his monumental 'Last Judgment.' The process – fictionalised in the 2024 political thriller 'Conclave' – is said to be guided by the Holy Spirit, and is designed to be both contemplative and free from outside interference. They began the mystery-steeped ritual of choosing a new pontiff with a morning Mass before entering in procession into the Sistine Chapel. To maintain secrecy and security, the Vatican asked cardinals to hand over their phones for the duration of the conclave and is deactivating cellphone coverage. It also was using signal jammers around the Sistine Chapel and the Domus Santa Marta hotel and adjacent residence where the cardinals are sleeping to prevent surveillance and communication with the outside world. The electors cast paper ballots, and voting continues until one candidate receives a two-thirds majority, or 89 votes. After voting, ballots are burned in a special stove – black smoke signals no decision, while white smoke means a new pope has been chosen. Electors must be under 80 years old, and are more geographically diverse than ever. They represent Catholicism's growing presence in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, as well as its traditional power base in Europe. The longest conclave in history lasted nearly three years, but it's reasonable to assume that this conclave will be much, much shorter. Cardinals this week said they expect a short conclave, though it will likely take at least a few rounds of voting. For most of the past century, it has taken between three and eight ballots to find a pope. John Paul I – the pope who reigned for 33 days – was elected on the third ballot in 1978. His successor, St. John Paul II, needed eight. Francis was elected on the fifth in 2013. There are no official candidates for the papacy, but some cardinals are considered 'papabile", or possessing the characteristics necessary to become pope. After John Paul II broke the Italian hold on the papacy in 1978, the field has broadened considerably, such that cardinals from far-flung countries are now seen as contenders. The past three popes have hailed from Poland (John Paul II), Germany (Benedict XVI) and Argentina (Francis). Of the 133 cardinals expected to vote at the conclave, 108 were appointed by Francis. They may feel a loyalty to continuing his legacy – even though the late pontiff didn't choose cardinals based on ideology, but rather for their pastoral priorities and geographical diversity. Once a candidate receives the necessary votes and accepts, he chooses a papal name and enters the 'Room of Tears' – named for the emotional weight of the responsibility ahead – to don his papal vestments. Minutes later, he is introduced to the world from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica with the proclamation in Latin: 'Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!' ('I bring you tidings of great joy: We have a pope!') That will be immediately followed by the revelation of his baptismal name, in Latin, followed by the papal name he has chosen. Every new pope is seen as a successor to St. Peter, the apostle believed by Catholics to have been appointed by Jesus as the head of the church. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells him, 'You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church,' a verse that forms the biblical basis for the papacy. According to tradition, Peter traveled to Rome to spread the Christian message and was martyred there during the reign of the Emperor Nero, around 64 A.D., as Christians were being persecuted. He was said to be crucified upside down at his own request, considering himself unworthy to die in the same manner as Jesus. St. Peter's Basilica now stands over what is believed to be his tomb. Though the pope leads a religious institution, his influence extends far beyond it. Pope John Paul II played a pivotal role in supporting the Solidarity movement in his native Poland and encouraging resistance to Soviet domination in Eastern Europe. His moral leadership was credited by many with helping to hasten the end of the Cold War. Pope Francis, the first pontiff from Latin America, became a prominent voice on global issues from climate change to migration and economic inequality. He called for compassion towards refugees, warned against the dangers of nationalism, and urged action to protect the planet – stances that resonated well beyond church walls, and at times put him at odds with political leaders. The first sign of the new pope's priorities will come in the name he chooses. A Francis II might signal a new pope's embrace of Francis' legacy of prioritising the poor and marginalized; a Pius would hint at a traditionalist restoration.
