Now that white smoke has filled the skies over the Sistine Chapel, the Catholic world holds its breath. It signifies the election of a new pope, though there’s a customary pause before the new pontiff’s identity is revealed. Observers recall the 2013 election of Pope Francis, which saw the announcement of the new leader occur approximately an hour after the smoke signal.
Cardinal Dominique Mamberti of France is the expected cardinal to announce the new pope from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, following the traditional Latin proclamation, “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus papam.” Should he be the selected pope, the announcement would come from Cardinal Mario Zenari of Italy.
In the mean time, excitement is palpable in the Apostolic Palace where preparations unfold in accordance with the Vatican’s 1996 electoral rules. Archbishop Diego Ravelli, coordinator of papal liturgical celebrations, will draft a document certifying the new pope’s acceptance of his role as bishop of Rome, and if not already a bishop, he will be ordained immediately.
Following these formalities, the newly elected pope will receive homage and obedience from the voting cardinals. He will then proceed to the Room of Tears, a special chamber adjacent to the Sistine Chapel, where he will don the white papal cassock. Garments in various sizes await, as his physical dimensions remain unknown prior to the announcement.
This room, known for past popes expressing their emotions after being elected, will host the new pontiff's transformation before his first appearance on the balcony to greet the awaiting masses. As the world waits, the intrigue and excitement surrounding the announcement of the new pope continues to grow.
Cardinal Dominique Mamberti of France is the expected cardinal to announce the new pope from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, following the traditional Latin proclamation, “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus papam.” Should he be the selected pope, the announcement would come from Cardinal Mario Zenari of Italy.
In the mean time, excitement is palpable in the Apostolic Palace where preparations unfold in accordance with the Vatican’s 1996 electoral rules. Archbishop Diego Ravelli, coordinator of papal liturgical celebrations, will draft a document certifying the new pope’s acceptance of his role as bishop of Rome, and if not already a bishop, he will be ordained immediately.
Following these formalities, the newly elected pope will receive homage and obedience from the voting cardinals. He will then proceed to the Room of Tears, a special chamber adjacent to the Sistine Chapel, where he will don the white papal cassock. Garments in various sizes await, as his physical dimensions remain unknown prior to the announcement.
This room, known for past popes expressing their emotions after being elected, will host the new pontiff's transformation before his first appearance on the balcony to greet the awaiting masses. As the world waits, the intrigue and excitement surrounding the announcement of the new pope continues to grow.
