THEBianca marked the beginning of a new chapter for the church: Robert Francis Prevost And was elected 267th pope, choosing the name of Leone XIV. With this election, history is written once again: in fact, it is the first American pontiff, a detail that highlights the change and globalization of the Catholic Church.
Leone XIV is the new pope
The wait in St. Peter’s Square was trepidant throughout the day. After three black smokes, Finally at 6:08 pm the white smoke He appeared from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, unleashing an ovation among the 150 thousand faithful gathered. Applause, tears, hugs and waved flags accompanied the momentwhile the bells played celebrating to announce to the world that the Church had found Pope Francis’ successor. At 19:13, The loggia of the Basilica of San Pietro lit up and the historic proclamation Habemus Papam He exploded the square in an ovation. Then, the most awaited moment: Leone XIV appeared to address his first words to the world.
The first words of the new pontiff
His voice resonated loudly, full of emotion and firmness: “Peace is with all of you,” said the new Pope, citing his predecessor Francesco. In his first speech, he emphasized the importance of the construction of bridges between peoples, inviting everyone to a path of dialogue, unity and brotherhood. He then pronounced a powerful phrasewhich hit those present: “Evil will not prevail, we are all in the hands of God”. A message that sounds like a call to hope and trust, in a historical moment complex for the whole world.
The Church writes the story: Leone XIV is the first Pope of the United States. (Photo by Jakub Porzycki/Nurphoto via Getty Images)
A Pope of Italian origins and with a missionary journey
Leone XIV has a history deeply linked to the international Catholic world. Born in Chicago, it has Italian, French and Spanish origins, a bridge between cultures and communities. Augustinian, He spent years as a missionary in Peruworking with local communities and building a strong bond with South America. His pastoral experience has left his mark and it is likely that His leadership will carry on the legacy of Francescofocusing on inclusion, attention to the weakest and a church close to people.
Plenary indulgence and the first prayer of Pope Leo XIV
Immediately after the speech, Pope Leo XIV has granted plenary indulgence to the faithful present in San Pietro and those who followed the event through the media. A symbolic gesture of rebirth and grace, which brings back to the solemn moments of the pontificate. Furthermore, He invited those present to recite an ave Mary for peace in the world, remembering the Madonna of Pompeiia clear sign of his strong link with Marian spirituality.
The reactions and the first congratulations
The appointment of Leone XIV was accepted with great enthusiasm not only by the faithful, but also by international institutions. Among the first to congratulate, American President Donald Trumpwho defined his election “an honor for our country”, manifesting the desire to meet him soon. Attention is now all about the next moves of the new pontiff: What will his priorities be, the main themes of his pontificate and the choices that will define the Church under his guide? One thing is certain: with Leo XIV the Catholic Church is preparing for a new journey Which seems, from the first words, in the name of peace, dialogue and hope.
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