Cardinal Robert Prevost, the new Pope Leo XIV succeeds Pope Francis

New Delhi (India) May 10: After white smoke, the traditional sign that a new pope has been elected which came from the Sistine Chapel on Thursday night, Cardinal Robert Prevost made his first public appearance as the new pope. He stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. He replaced the recently passed away Pope Francis.

Thousands of people gathered in St. Peter's Square cheered when Prevost appeared. As the new pope gave his first blessing, many cheered and some people started crying. Hours of nervousness surrounded the emotional moment, as people from all around the world watched the Vatican chimney for the telltale smoke.

“Peace by with you,” he told the people.

After the custom was done, an announcement was made when a senior cardinal standing on St. Peter's Basilica's balcony said "Habemus papam!" which means to "We have a pope!"

Pope Francis, an Argentine reformer, was succeeded by a new pontiff who was introduced in Latin using his chosen papal name.

Before offering a homily explaining his priorities, the new pope is going to take his first tour of St. Peter's Square in his popemobile.

During his 12-year term, Pope Francis worked to create a more compassionate Church, but his progressive stance angered many conservatives. He passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.

The 133 cardinal electors gathered in Vatican on Wednesday afternoon to cast their votes for the new pope on the first day of voting.

In the conference to choose the next pope, four Indian cardinals have the right to cast votes. They include Anthony Poola, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Hyderabad and the first archbishop from the Dalit Christian community; George Koovakkad, the former head of the Journeys Office of the Secretariat of State of the Holy See; Baselios Cleemis, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church in Kerala; and Filipe Neri Ferrao, the Archbishop of Goa and Daman.

Aadrika Tayal