At 6:08 PM Rome time (11:08 AM CT) yesterday, history was made as white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel, announcing the election of the new Pope. Thousands surged into St. Peter’s Square, cheering and waving flags as the bells of Rome rang out in celebration.
The new Holy Father is Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope, hailing from Chicago. The crowd erupted with chants of “Viva il Papa!” while many wept with joy and embraced in celebration.
Rome correspondent Ashley Noronha was right in the heart of the Square, capturing the electric energy of the moment. People cried, hugged, and prayed as they gazed up at the balcony.
Ashley noted that the election occurred on the fourth ballot, just like the conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI. She also pointed out the powerful visual: Pope Leo XIV appeared beneath the very scripture where Jesus gives Peter the keys to heaven (Matthew 16:19).
John Morales and Ashley both described Pope Leo’s first moments as incredibly moving. The new Pope, clearly overwhelmed, stood with misty eyes, offering a few words of peace and unity. The crowd responded with spontaneous applause and tears of joy.
Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Mass with the cardinals in the Sistine Chapel, donning the traditional mozzetta and stole, a nod to papal tradition. Ashley noted that she had held that very stole just hours earlier.
With a background in canon law, Pope Leo XIV is fluent in multiple languages, including Italian, Latin, Spanish, French, and English. While he skipped English in his initial remarks, the gesture was seen as a way to emphasize his role as a universal bridge-builder.
This Sunday, Pope Leo XIV will lead the Regina Caeli prayer from the same iconic balcony, choosing to remain close to the people rather than appearing from the Apostolic Palace.
Ashley reported that the mood in Rome remains joyful and prayerful, with spontaneous song and prayer continuing late into the night. The Church stands on the brink of a new chapter as Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy, bringing with him the heart of a pastor and the wisdom of a canon lawyer.
Stay tuned to Relevant Radio for ongoing updates as the world welcomes Pope Leo XIV, a shepherd from Chicago with a heart for the global Church.
