Habemus Papam!
We Have A Pope!PRAISE BE TO GOD!!!!
YAY!!!!!!
WoooHooooo!Now what?
Within the moments after being elected as our 267th pope, the elected cardinal is formally asked to accept the position as pontiff – another “Yes” to God in his life as a shepherd.
He then chooses a papal name.
While there is no set rule, he chooses a name of a previous pope or saint to honor that holy soul that may reflect their own values, priorities, and aspirations. Pope Francis said he chose his name after St. Francis of Assisi, a “man of peace, of the poor, of brotherhood. The man who loves and respects creation,”
He is then moved to the chamber adjacent to the Sistine Chapel, where he changes into the white papal vestments for the first time.
This room is called “Room of Tears” because as you can imagine the realization of his new role for billions of souls is emotionally overwhelming. As the newly elected Holy Father transitions in that instant from a previous life and breathes in the profound spiritual responsibility he is likely moved to tears as his predecessors for centuries before him.
The cardinals then greet the new pope and pledges their obedience.
Typically, it is within an hour after the election that new pope will typically appear on the balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square, where he will be greeted by the senior cardinal, Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, who announces “Habemus Papam” – (pronounced ha-bay-moose pa-paum), translated to “We have a Pope.”Cardinal Mamberti then introduces the new pope by his chosen papal name.
