With the emergence of white smoke from the Sistine Chapel signaling the election of a new pope, attention now turns to the ceremonial traditions that follow.
New Era Begins: White Smoke Signals New Pope Elected
New Era Begins: White Smoke Signals New Pope Elected
The Vatican witnesses a historic moment as a successor to Pope Francis is chosen amidst tradition and anticipation.
Now that white smoke has billowed out of the chimney above the Sistine Chapel, signaling that a new leader of the Roman Catholic Church has been selected, a brief wait ensues before his identity is officially revealed to the public. Observers recall the precedent set during the election of Pope Francis in 2013, where it took approximately an hour for the newly elected cardinal to appear on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. He will announce in Latin, "Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus papam," translating to "I announce to you a great joy: We have a pope."
In this conclave, Cardinal Dominique Mamberti of France has the role of announcing the new pontiff. Should Mamberti himself be chosen as pope, the announcement will be delivered by Cardinal Mario Zenari of Italy. In the meantime, activities escalate inside the Apostolic Palace, guided by a 1996 Vatican document outlining the proceedings.
Archbishop Diego Ravelli, as the master of papal liturgical celebrations, will prepare a document certifying the elected cardinal's agreement to assume the role of bishop of Rome. If the new pope is not already a bishop, he will undergo immediate ordination.
According to tradition, the voting cardinals will make an act of homage and obedience to the newly elected pope. Following this, the pontiff will be escorted to the Room of Tears, where he will don the white papal cassock for the first time. This small chamber is stocked with garments in various sizes, a precaution taken since the stature of the new pope is unknown. The room is so named for the emotional responses exhibited by previous popes after their election.
Finally, after adorning the papal attire, the new pope will emerge from the balcony to greet the eager crowds gathered below for the first time, marking the beginning of a new era for the Church.
Elisabetta Povoledo, a seasoned journalist, continues to cover the intricacies of the Vatican and Italian culture, providing insights into this historic moment.
In this conclave, Cardinal Dominique Mamberti of France has the role of announcing the new pontiff. Should Mamberti himself be chosen as pope, the announcement will be delivered by Cardinal Mario Zenari of Italy. In the meantime, activities escalate inside the Apostolic Palace, guided by a 1996 Vatican document outlining the proceedings.
Archbishop Diego Ravelli, as the master of papal liturgical celebrations, will prepare a document certifying the elected cardinal's agreement to assume the role of bishop of Rome. If the new pope is not already a bishop, he will undergo immediate ordination.
According to tradition, the voting cardinals will make an act of homage and obedience to the newly elected pope. Following this, the pontiff will be escorted to the Room of Tears, where he will don the white papal cassock for the first time. This small chamber is stocked with garments in various sizes, a precaution taken since the stature of the new pope is unknown. The room is so named for the emotional responses exhibited by previous popes after their election.
Finally, after adorning the papal attire, the new pope will emerge from the balcony to greet the eager crowds gathered below for the first time, marking the beginning of a new era for the Church.
Elisabetta Povoledo, a seasoned journalist, continues to cover the intricacies of the Vatican and Italian culture, providing insights into this historic moment.
