White smoke rises from Sistine Chapel; new pope elected. He’s been chosen. But his identity has not yet been revealed. The next pope who will lead the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics was elected Wednesday by cardinals in what was apparently their 5th round of voting on the second day of their conclave. Crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square — as well as millions of people watching on television around the world — were fixed upon the balcony where they will see the new pope for the first time. The result of the vote was heralded by white smoke rising from the chimney on the Sistine Chapel. Bells also rang just after 7 p.m. (2 p.m. ET), confirming that the 115 cardinals had elected the man who will succeed Pope Benedict XVI, who resigned unexpectedly last month. Before the new pope appears in public for the first time, a number of things are happening behind the scenes.
According to the Vatican, the Cardinal Dean, Giovanni Battista Rem will ask the new pontiff: “Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?” White or black smoke? Pope Francis: A New Beginning. If at first he seemed a stranger, in a matter of minutes Jorge Mario Bergoglio became more like an old friend. Born and raised in a middle-class suburb of Buenos Aires, Jorge Mario grew up with four siblings. His parents, Mario, a railway worker, and Regina Maria, a housewife, were of Italian descent. He began his career as a chemist, but soon switched course to the seminary. An intellectual, he taught literature, philosophy and theological studies in Argentina. He furthered his own studies in Germany. But as he rose to the top, his lifestyle remained firmly grounded.
His statements on moral and social issues have been clear. Bergoglio’s story includes a dark chapter in Argentina’s history. Bergoglio emerged as an ambassador of sorts, reaching out to other religions. Pope Francis' first popemobile ride. Papal Primer | Overview of the Papacy | Pope | Head of the Roman Catholic Church | Infallibility | Vatican -Welcome to The Crossroads Initiative. A Papal Primer: An Overview of the Papacy as taught by the Roman Catholic Church By: Marcellino D'Ambrosio There is probably no institution more uniquely Catholic than the institution of the Papacy. A particularly zealous disciple is often described as “more Catholic than the Pope.” Anti-Catholics of bygone years have repudiated “Popery” and railed against the “Papists.”
But one thing that non-Catholics and Catholics often have in common is a great misunderstanding of this ancient institution. First, let’s start with what the Pope is not. Primarily, the Church is a community of disciples. The best way to get a handle on the role of the Pope is to go back to the gospels. Then from their number he chose one whose name he changed from Simon to Cephas or Peter, meaning “Rock” (Mat 16: 18). Nearly every book of the New Testament notes the special role of this apostle, even if the book is written by another apostolic hero.
This does not mean that Peter was naturally stronger than the others. New Pope will have adoration before his presentation. Father Federico Lombardi responds to questions from the press on March 6, 2013. Credit: David Uebbing/CNA. Vatican City, Mar 11, 2013 / 10:04 am (CNA/EWTN News).- In a change to past papal elections, the new Pope will have the chance to adore Jesus in the Eucharist before he makes his appearance on the central balcony of St.
Peter’s Basilica. Vatican press office director Father Federico Lombardi told journalists March 11 that, “when the Pope goes to the loggia, he passes the Pauline Chapel and will stop there for a brief moment of personal prayer and silence in front of the Blessed Sacrament.” The Vatican press office was buzzing with journalists looking for news about the March 12 Conclave, which will begin at around 5:00 in the evening. Before looking ahead to the voting, Fr. Lombardi reviewed the cardinals final general meeting, which was held this morning. The cardinals made 28 interventions before the assembly voted to end their meetings, given that the Conclave will begin on Tuesday. Cardinal George celebrates pre-conclave Mass. Francis Cardinal George talks papal candidates.
The Roman Catholic Church is led by the College of Cardinals– they will meet formally Monday for the first time as a group. After tending to church business, they will decide when to go into conclave. The formal vote to choose who among them will be the next successor to St. Peter, 115 will cast ballots representing the 1.2 billion Catholics worldwide. Chicago’s Francis Cardinal George says he feels the weight, the anticipation and he remembers the joy and stress of the last time he went through this process. As one of the most senior members of the College of Cardinals, Francis George is considered a major force in the papal election.
“Certainly we have to have someone who is up to the job not only spiritually and intellectually, but also physically.” And since pope benedict stepped down saying he was too weak to lead. But no less intellectual. Where in the world will they turn? Canada’s Marc Ouellet and Mexico’s Norberto Rivera Carrera have been mentioned.