Posted: Thursday, May 8, 2025. 10:22 am CST.
Photo Credit: Vatican News
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The Catholic Church has a new leader. White smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel today, signaling that the 133 cardinal electors have chosen the next pope to succeed Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21.
Thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, eagerly awaiting the moment when the newly elected pontiff will step onto the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to greet the world for the first time. Vatican News confirmed the election via social media, stating, “White smoke! The 133 Cardinal electors gathered in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel have elected the new Pope. He will appear soon at the central window of St. Peter’s Basilica.”
The conclave, a centuries-old tradition, began on May 7, with cardinals from around the world convening in the Sistine Chapel to vote in secrecy. The process required a candidate to secure two-thirds of the votes to be elected. After several rounds of voting, the decision was finally made, marking a historic moment for the Catholic Church.
While the identity of the new pope has yet to be revealed, speculation has been rife about potential successors. Among the frontrunners were Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State; Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines; and Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline of France.
The new pope will inherit the legacy of Pope Francis, who was known for his progressive stance on social issues, his advocacy for the poor, and his efforts to modernize the Church. His successor will face the challenge of continuing—or reshaping—Francis’ vision for the future of Catholicism.
As the world watches, anticipation builds for the moment when the new pontiff will step forward and deliver his first words as the 267th pope of the Catholic Church.
Vatican officials prepare to introduce the new leader of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
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The post BREAKING: White Smoke Rises-Vatican elects new Pope to succeed Pope Francis appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Thursday, May 8, 2025. 10:22 am CST. Photo Credit: Vatican News By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The Catholic Church has a new leader. White smoke billowed
The post BREAKING: White Smoke Rises-Vatican elects new Pope to succeed Pope Francis appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.