It was another short conclave. Although this time the number of cardinals in the conclave was greater than ever before, and although they had come together from all corners of the world and many of them only met for the first time during the twelve general congregations from 22 April to 6 May.
After the white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel at around 6.10 p.m. on Thursday 8 May, we could join tens of thousands of people in St Peter’s Square when the election of the new Pope was announced at 7.10 p.m. with the ‘Habemus Papam’ and Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was introduced as Leo XIV. We were happy when he wished us and all people peace with the greeting of Jesus on Easter. We listened with grateful hearts as he continued with what Pope Francis had encouraged: openness for all – a synodal, missionary church – walking together as Christians. He wants to be a bridge builder and also invites us to build bridges through dialogue and encounters.
We will gladly join him on this path and accompany the new successor of Peter also with our prayers.
Text: Sr. Adelheid Scheloske SAC
Photo: Vatican News
