On the evening of Thursday, May 8, white smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel. This occurred at 18:08. The appearance of white smoke, followed by the ringing of the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica and the joyful ovations of the crowd, signaled that a pope had been elected. It is Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost (14.9.1955) from Chicago, who has taken the name Leo XIV.

Leo XIV is fluent in his native English, as well as Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese, and he understands written texts in Latin and German. But what happened in the Sistine Chapel just before the smoke appeared, and what takes place before Cardinal Protodeacon Mamberti steps out onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to announce that a new Bishop of Rome has been elected? When white smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, the whole world learned that a new Bishop of Rome and successor to the Apostle Peter had been elected. But what happened under the frescoed vaults of Michelangelo a few minutes earlier, and what will happen until the moment when the new pope’s name is announced, following the “Habemus Papam” (We have a Pope) proclamation by the French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti from the Loggia of Blessings of St. Peter’s Basilica?

The Ritual of Consent

According to the rules of the Ordo rituum Conclavis and the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, one of the cardinals present in the Sistine Chapel achieved the required majority of votes, and the election took place canonically. The first cardinal in order of precedence and seniority (or, if he was elected, the second in order and seniority) asked the elected cardinal for his consent in Latin on behalf of the entire College of Electors with the following words: “Do you accept your canonical election as pope?” As soon as consent was given, he asked: “By what name do you wish to be called?” Then, the Master of Pontifical Liturgical Ceremonies, acting as a notary and with two ceremoniars as witnesses, drew up a document attesting to the new pope’s consent and the name he had chosen.

Conclusion of the Conclave

The conclave, as stated in the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, ends after the new pope consents to his election, “unless he decides otherwise.” Then, the Substitute of the Secretariat of State, the Secretary for Relations with States, and all those who need to discuss urgent matters with the elected pope may enter the Sistine Chapel.

Smoke and the “Room of Tears”

After the ritual of consent, all the ballots and other documents used in the election were burned, and the white smoke confirmed that a new pope had been elected. While the faithful in St. Peter’s Square rejoice and the world waits to learn the new pope’s name, the elected pope leaves the Sistine Chapel and enters the sacristy, the so-called “Room of Tears.” Here, with the assistance of the Master of Liturgical Ceremonies, he puts on one of the three pre-prepared papal vestments.

First Ceremony, Homage, and “Te Deum”

Returning to the Sistine Chapel, the newly elected pope takes his place at the cathedra, and a brief ceremony follows, introduced by the cardinal who is first in the order of bishops. The first cardinal among the priests reads a passage from the Gospel, which may be “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church” or “Feed my sheep.” Finally, the cardinal protodeacon recites a prayer for the newly elected successor of Peter. Then, all the cardinals present approach the new pope in turn to offer their respect and obedience. Afterward, everyone together sings the hymn “Te Deum,” which is begun by the newly elected pope.

The New Pope’s Prayer in the Pauline Chapel

Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti appears on the basilica’s balcony and announces to the people the outcome of the election and the new pope’s name, saying, “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: habemus Papam!” (I announce to you a great joy: we have a Pope!). Meanwhile, the newly elected pope, leaving the Sistine Chapel to proceed to the balcony, enters the Pauline Chapel, where he pauses to pray silently before the Blessed Sacrament, and then continues to the balcony, from where he greets the people and gives his first apostolic blessing “Urbi et Orbi.”

His first words were: “Pax vobiscum omnibus” (Peace be with you all).   In this address, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of dialogue, love, and unity (In Unitate), calling on the faithful worldwide to pursue peace and solidarity. He expressed gratitude to his predecessors, especially Pope Francis, and voiced his desire to continue the path he began, while introducing his own leadership style, described as more reserved and quiet, yet deeply rooted in faith.   Pope Leo XIV also thanked his supporters and his former diocese in Peru, speaking in Italian and Spanish, thus reflecting his international experience and close ties with Latin America.   His chosen name, Leo XIV, is a reference to Pope Leo XIII, who is primarily remembered in history as the Pope who called for peace throughout the world (Pax Christi), and was also known for his reform efforts and advocacy for workers’ rights. This choice may indicate that Leo XIV is a potential Apostle of World Peace.   May the Most High God (Deo Volente) guide him in fulfilling these goals!