“Citing the Latin formula, Habemus Papam, the Proto Deacon, French Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran appeared on the central balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica Wednesday evening to announce the election of the 265th Successor of Saint Peter: Argentinian Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, S.J., the first Jesuit pope in history, was elected to the papacy, taking the name of Pope Francis. Cardinal Tauran appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s basilica at 8:12 p.m. to the cheers of tens of thousands of people gathered under umbrellas in the square. Billowing white smoke appeared from the chimney over the Sistine chapel at 7:06 p.m signaling that the new Pope had been elected in the fifth ballot of the two day conclave.” [From Vatican Radio]
1 comment
You may also like
In The Shadows Of Simon Peter
In 1984, I was a college student quite excited that Pope John Paul II was visiting Canada and would be celebrating a public Mass at Downsview Airforce Base in Toronto. Typical of many college students, I needed no...
St Peter’s Keys and Our Representation
The conclave begins again in Rome where cardinals from around the world will come together to pray for the Holy Spirit’s descent and to choose the next Bishop of Rome. This process and the ancient rituals have existed...
The One Who Holds The Keys
On the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, we are presented with two figures who are given keys. The first is Eliakim. Eliakim was the secretary to Shebna the Master of King Hezekiah’s palace back in the 8th century before...
A Rock That Will Last Until The End Of Time
Once there was an American tourist traveling on a European steamship; the vessel set out into the Mediterranean Sea from the French port of Marseilles. On the second day of the journey, a huge black mountain seemed to...
The Unity of Peter
The great inventor Thomas Edison was not a religious man, but he had a genuine respect for those who sincerely practiced their faith. For instance, for over sixty years he generously contributed to several orders of...
Latest Essays
OSV News
- Child protection commission urges prayers for cardinals in conclave May 5, 2025
- Francis’ final gift to Gaza: Popemobile will be transformed into mobile clinic for children May 5, 2025
- Ukraine’s religious leaders urge US faithful to ‘be on the side of truth’ amid war May 5, 2025
- Cardinals urge unity, patience as conclave nears May 5, 2025
- Pilgrim Passport to 3 Wisconsin Marian shrines help faithful mark their Jubilee journey May 5, 2025
Vatican Headlines
- Officials and Conclave staff take Oath of Secrecy in Pauline Chapel May 5, 2025
- 11th General Congregation focuses on migration, synodality, unity May 5, 2025
- Benin: A workshop to rethink the commitment of Catholic lay leaders in building peaceful societies in Africa May 5, 2025
- The Conclave from the Middle Ages to the present day May 5, 2025
- Pontifical safeguarding commission joins in prayer for Conclave May 5, 2025
What a breathtaking moment when he humbly asked for the prayers of the crowd and bowed his head for their blessing! He will be a wonderful change for the Catholic Church…a new sentiment of reaching out to our fellow brothers and sisters and dispensing of all the stuffiness of the church hierarchy.
Please have more women contributors. There seems to be so much political articles on here. Men are so matter of fact. Women bring more warmth and a spirit of encouragement and love. They have a lot to say too!
Thanks and have a wonderful day!!! 🙂