The moment white smoke billowed from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel, the world knew that the Cardinals had chosen a new Bishop of Rome. The age-old ritual, rich in symbolism and solemnity, had reached its climax. But behind the applause and global headlines lie moments of profound decision-making and sacred tradition within the frescoed walls of the Sistine Chapel—culminating in the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who has taken the papal name Pope Leo XIV.
The Rite of Acceptance
In keeping with the Ordo Rituum Conclavis and the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, once a Cardinal receives the required two-thirds majority of votes, the canonical process of election is complete. The senior Cardinal by age or office—unless he himself has been elected—asks the chosen Cardinal the decisive question: “Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?” Upon acceptance, he is then asked, “By what name do you wish to be called?”
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost accepted the call. In a moment of gravitas and continuity, he chose to be known as Pope Leo XIV.
The Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations, assisted by two ceremonial officers, then drafted the official document confirming the new Pope’s acceptance and chosen name.
Conclusion of the Conclave
Once Pope Leo XIV accepted the election, the conclave was officially concluded. At that point, select Vatican officials—including the Substitute for the Secretariat of State and the Secretary for Relations with States—were granted entry into the Sistine Chapel to attend to immediate matters of governance with the new Pontiff.
The White Smoke and the “Room of Tears”
With the sacred rite complete, all ballots and related documents were burned. The white smoke rising into the Roman sky signalled to the faithful and the world that a new pope had been chosen. Cheers erupted across St. Peter’s Square as the moment of revelation drew near.
Meanwhile, the newly elected Pope Leo XIV was led to the so-called “Room of Tears,” where, assisted by the Master of Liturgical Celebrations, he changed from his cardinal’s vestments into the papal white cassock. There, he took a few moments for private prayer.
The First Ceremony: Greeting and Te Deum
Returning to the Sistine Chapel, the new Pontiff was welcomed with a short liturgical ceremony. The senior Cardinal Bishop addressed him with a formal greeting, followed by a reading from the Gospel by the senior Cardinal Priest—either “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church” or “Feed my sheep.” Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti then offered a prayer for the newly elected Successor of Peter.
One by one, the Cardinal electors approached Pope Leo XIV to offer their homage and pledge their obedience. The ceremony concluded with the chanting of the Te Deum, a hymn of thanksgiving led by the new Pope.
A Moment of Prayer in the Pauline Chapel
Before addressing the world, Pope Leo XIV withdrew to the Pauline Chapel to pray silently before the Blessed Sacrament. This private moment prepared him spiritually for the immense responsibility now resting on his shoulders.
‘Habemus Papam!’
Finally, the moment arrived. Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti stepped out onto the Loggia of Blessings above St. Peter’s Square and proclaimed:
“I announce to you a great joy:
We have a Pope:
The Most Eminent and Most Reverend Lord,
Lord Robert Francis
Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church Prevost,
who has taken the name Leo XIV.”
As the announcement echoed through the square and across television screens worldwide, the crowd roared in celebration. Moments later, Pope Leo XIV emerged onto the balcony. He greeted the faithful with humility and offered his first Apostolic Blessing, Urbi et Orbi—to the city and to the world.
Thus began the papacy of Leo XIV: a new chapter in the long and complex history of the Roman Catholic Church.
