“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
Springtime for Cardinals
It is springtime when my fancy usually turns to baseball. Though I have never been a St. Louis Cardinals fan, they have usually been a part of any baseball conversation, especially when we lived in St. Louis. Lately...
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...
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 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...
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...
Latest Essays
Vatican Headlines
- British PM Keir Starmer resigns, opening path for leadership contest June 22, 2026
- Patriarchs of Jerusalem visit Gaza's wounded faithful June 22, 2026
- Pope: Technology should serve friendships, not replace them June 22, 2026
- WFP official: Food assistance is often a matter of life or death June 22, 2026
- Church leaders gather in Rome to prepare for Synod Assemblies of 2027-2028 June 22, 2026
Institute for Family Studies Blog
- 'Off With His Head': What Good is Prince Charming? June 22, 2026
- Friday Five 615 June 19, 2026
- Playful Protectors: Masculinity, Fathers, and Faith Transmission June 19, 2026







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!!! 🙂