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White smoke came out of the chimney of the Vatican in Rome, and everyone seemed to be holding their breath in anticipation. Two weeks after Pope Francis passed away, Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected as the new Pope on May 8.
The election of the new pope marked a significant date in history for the Catholic church, and for Catholic students at NS it was a decision that can impact their daily life.
“I think he’s very deserving of the role, his values align with the church and Pope Francis,” junior Mariel Lopez said.
The conclave is the process in which they elect a new pope. 133 cardinals, who are the officials considered in the election process, gathered at the Vatican. All of them are under 80 years old.
“It’s very private – politics influence everything but it should be a sacred and religious thing.” Lopez said.
The new Pope Leo XIV was born in Chicago, Illinois, which makes him the first pope to be born in the United States. This caused international uproar as he expressed concern for the U.S. leaders.
“I know he doesn’t really like their ideas because they go against the church,” sophomore Brittany Mendez said.
Pope Francis was an advocate for world peace and union, which leads people to question whether Pope Leo will live up to the standards.
“He hasn’t reached that level yet,” Lopez said. “Pope Francis did a lot for the church and he inspired many. I can only hope that the new pope will do the same.”
Pope Francis’s death was globally devastating. Approximately 250,000 people attended the funeral and an additional 150,000 people lined the streets for his burial.
“My mom, my sisters and I were all sad. We all prayed for him to be in a better place,” Mendez said.
Once a new pope is elected and he accepts the decision he chooses his papal name. The new pope makes his first appearance at the balcony at St. Peter’s Basilica and gives his first blessing.
“Peace be with all of you!” were the first words of Pope Leo XIV to the public.
Pope Leo’s first speech focused on unity, peace and love. He explains that Pope Francis blessed Rome so therefore he blessed the entire world so evil will not prevail.
“Therefore, without fear, united hand in hand with God among ourselves, we move forward,” Pope Leo said.
Pope Leo also focused on addressing the church of Rome to be a missionary church and receive everyone with love. He addressed the diocese of Chiclayo in Peru where he served as a missionary and as the bishop.
“And if you allow me a word, a greeting to all and especially to my beloved diocese of Chiclayo, in Peru, where faithful people accompanied their bishop, shared their faith and gave so much to continue being a church that is so faithful to Jesus Christ,” said Pope Leo.
Pope Leo was declared a cardinal on Sept. 30, 2023, by Pope Francis, and he was declared to be the diaconate of Saint Monica.
The Catholic church honors Mother Mary as a powerful intercessor, Pope Leo ended his speech by addressing her and asking the people in attendance to pray with him.
“Let us pray together for this new mission, for the whole church, for peace in the world and let us also ask Mary, our mother, for this special grace,” said Pope Leo.
Pope Leo’s inaugural Mass will be held May 18, where he will officially begin his time serving for the Catholic church as the Pope.
