After several days of cold and wet weather, the skies cleared today. My brother is here, so we went out for a walk to enjoy the sunshine. As we left, I got a text from a friend saying that she heard there was white smoke coming from the conclave chimney. I couldn’t find it, and had just seen black smoke not too long ago, so we continued on our walk. Just before we got home, I got another text from my son saying that we had a new Pope. I found the Livestream and sure enough, there was the coverage of the white smoke. They were waiting for the official announcement and for the new Pope to make his appearance. I remembered seeing the “Room of Tears” where the new Pope dresses to greet his people for the first time. I explained to my brother that the name reflects the emotions that are felt as the new Pope prepares. I became emotional myself as I envisioned the man who had just received an overwhelming responsibility. In only a few minutes, the windows were opened, the cardinals appeared, and Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti pronounced the formula, “I announce to you a great joy:
WE HAVE A POPE
The Most Eminent and Most Reverend Lord Robert Francis
Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church Prevost who has taken the name Leo XIV”. Of course, he said it in Latin. The hosts on EWTN knew right away that he was an American and started explaining who he was. Shortly afterwards, Pope Leo XIV was led to the balcony overseeing St. Peter’s Square where thousands of people had gathered. He was visibly overcome with emotion with teary eyes and quivering lip. His first words were difficult to form as he spoke with humility, “Peace be with all of you.” He collected himself and spoke in Latin, Italian, and Spanish. For whatever reason, he chose not to speak in English at this first greeting. From what I read and heard, he has vast experience in the world – particularly in South America and has a love for those on the fringes of society like his predecessor. It will certainly be interesting to see his pontificate unfold. I am so glad I was home to be able to watch this historic event.

I Found God today in the election of our new Pope Leo XIV.