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White smoke ascends from the roof of the Sistine Chapel, signalling the election of a new Pope. The world awaits the appearance of the Cardinal electors on the Loggia of St Peter's Basilica, and the announcement of the 266th successor of St Peter.
Africa's Radio Maria network has been encouraging its listeners to pray for the Cardinals as they choose a new Pope. One such prayer initiative was recently hosted at the Marian Shrine of Kibeho in Rwanda.
The 133 cardinal-electors have entered the Sistine Chapel in solemn procession, beginning the conclave that will elect the next and 267th pope.
We offer a detailed look at what happens inside the Sistine Chapel in the moments before the appearance of the white smoke, and what takes place prior to the announcement made by Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti from the Loggia of Blessings of St. Peter’s Basilica, when he proclaims the name of the new Bishop of Rome.
A longstanding tradition has it that Popes change their names from their baptismal name, though it hasn’t always been the case, especially in the first centuries of Christianity. Popes have often chosen the names of their immediate or distant predecessors out of respect, admiration, or recognition to mark continuity, but also different names to mark innovation.
Confrontation between India and Pakistan over Kashmir escalates dramatically following Indian airstrikes deep into Pakistani territory in retaliation for the killing of 26 Indian tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir last month, an attack allegedly carried out by Pakistan-based Islamist militants.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, presides over the Mass for the Election of the Roman Pontiff, and calls for unity in faith and prayer as the Cardinals go into the Conclave to elect the new Pope. "May the Pope elected may be he whom the Church and humanity need at this difficult, complex, and troubled turning point in history."
From the Mass for the Election of the New Pope to the white smoke, Vatican Media provides broadcasts, platforms, and frequencies to follow the Conclave Live via video and audio
Pope Francis "never hesitated to condemn anti-Semitism," whose words "were a shield for countless Jewish communities," and "we will miss his wisdom, his friendship, and his unwavering moral clarity," says Viktor Eichner, who represents the World Jewish Congress at the Vatican, in an interview with Vatican News remembering the late Pope.
The war between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces continues to wreak death, destruction and displacement as it spreads to previously quiet areas of the Northeast African nation.