«Habemus Papam» . Today, May 8, 2025, the cardinals gathered in conclave have finally chosen the successor of Peter , the 267th pontiff of the Catholic Church.

This is the American Robert Francis Prevost – born in Chicago in 1955 ( THE PORTRAIT ), of French and Italian origins on his father's side and Spanish on his mother's side – who will take the name of Leo XIV .

The white smoke arrived shortly after 6 pm, at the fourth ballot as had happened for Ratzinger, after reaching the threshold of 89 votes necessary for election, that is, two thirds of the cardinals called to vote in the Sistine Chapel.

Tens of thousands of faithful gathered in the Vatican, including many from Sardinia , to experience the wait with their eyes turned towards the chimney and to greet the new pontiff, now called to take up the legacy of Bergoglio, who died last April 21 , and to lead the Catholic people.

At the sight of the clear smoke , bells rang out in celebration throughout the capital and shouts of jubilation awaited the presentation of the chosen one and his first greeting, from the balcony of the Loggia delle Benedizioni , to the faithful and to the world.

"I would like this greeting to reach all the peoples of the earth: peace be with you. The peace of the risen Christ, disarmed, disarming and humble", Leo's first words, spoken in Italian.

The Holy Father – who also greeted in Spanish the community of Peru , the country where he served – then remembered with gratitude Pope Francis and underlined the need for «a Church always available to build bridges».

And again: "We want to be a synodal Church, which walks, which seeks peace and charity and which tries to be close to those who suffer", said the new American pontiff, before intoning a Hail Mary , granting plenary indulgence and pronouncing his first, solemn Urbi et Orbi blessing.

Tomorrow the new Pope will celebrate Mass in the Sistine Chapel with the cardinals at 11. On Sunday he will recite the Regina Coeli at 12 from the central Loggia .

(Online Union)

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