At 6:08 PM, white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling the election of a new pope. However, the scene was not set in St Peter’s Square, but rather across the Tiber River, a few kilometers away. There, the bells of a local parish in Rome’s Garbatella district began to chime, drawing the attention of a couple walking their dogs. One of them checked their mobile phone and exclaimed, “What, there’s a new pope?” to which the other nodded in response.
While uncertainty surrounded the identity of the new pontiff, all eyes turned to St Peter’s Square, where the 267th pope was soon to make his appearance from the basilica’s loggia. Within moments, the streets of Rome filled with traffic, creating a bustling scene as crowds made their way toward the Vatican. Those on the sidewalks glanced at their devices, confused, as Missionary Sisters of Charity made their way towards Ponte Fabricio.
A crowd gathers in anticipation
By 6:30 PM, reaching the Vatican had become a daunting task, with no clear indication of when the traditional announcement, “Habemus Papam,” would take place. Fifty minutes after the white smoke appeared, thousands of faithful continued to sift through metal detectors, eager to enter the square.
Inside the square, under a clear sky, 150,000 people had gathered in less than an hour, creating an atmosphere filled with excitement and high expectations. Attendees searched for optimal spots to witness the event, and behind Bernini’s fountain, a group of nuns in blue robes began to sing joyfully. Despite their eagerness, many struggled to connect to the internet, leaving them momentarily cut off from information.
“Are we living in the moment, then?”
asked Tania, who had rushed to the scene upon hearing of the white smoke. Nearby, Chiara and a friend were snapping test photos of the loggia, hoping to capture the historic moment. As time passed, Tania remained hopeful for an appearance from Cardinal Zuppi, or at least Cardinal Pizzaballa.
Finally, the moment arrived. The curtain of the loggia opened, and Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, the proto-deacon, announced the new pope in Latin. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now known as Leo XIV, was revealed to the crowd, marking a historical moment as he became the first pope from the United States.
Celebrating the new pontiff
While some in the square struggled to hear his name, a young priest caught the gist with a shout of “Robert!” Uncertainty rippled through the crowd, as many were still unaware of the new pope’s identity. However, as the loggia’s curtains parted once more, Cardinal Prevost greeted the crowd in Italian, declaring, “Peace be with you!” His first words echoed the message of the risen Christ, offering peace to all.
The crowd, though initially incredulous, soon broke into smiles. The atmosphere transformed as prayers for world peace were offered, with applause and shouts of “pope, pope” filling the air. The Hail Mary was recited, and the loudspeakers became unnecessary as St Peter’s Square turned into a vibrant scene of collective prayer under the setting sun.
Flags from Spain and South America waved among the excited crowd as Pope Leo XIV continued his address. He acknowledged his roots, stating, “Se me permiten también una palabra, un saludo a todos aquellos en mi querida diócesis de Chiclayo, en el Perú,” reaching out to the people of his beloved diocese in Peru.
The square gradually emptied, but the spirit of celebration lingered. Don Giulio, a priest from a parish in Rome’s Tor Bella Monaca neighborhood, celebrated with friends and parishioners around him. He recounted how he hastily hopped on his scooter the moment he noticed the white smoke, undeterred by the heavy traffic.
“The Lord wanted us all here,”
Giulio remarked, smiling at the many young faces still present. He mused, “Something like this would probably only happen if Italy won the World Cup. Indeed, it would be even bigger.”