Of Athena Papakosta

Eight minutes after six in the afternoon (Italian time) white smoke emerged from the chimney of the Sistina hats. It was the fourth vote in a row, from the beginning of the process, and one of the shortests in the history of the Roman Catholic Church.

The concentrated crowd of believers in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican, as he erupted enthusiastically, flooded the atmosphere with his voice. “Viva Papa il papa”, “Long live the Pope”.

As the sun was set and the first evening chill was spread out on the square a new day was for the Vatican.

The entire planet for more than an hour kept its gaze on a single balcony, on the central balcony at St. Peter’s Basilica.

Its doors opened and Archbishop Dominic Mambert He was the one who had the task of shouting in Latin “Annuntio Vobis Gaudium Magnum: Habemus Papam!”which means “I announce you great joy: We have a Pope!” and for the first time on St. Peter’s throne is elected an American, the Robert Francis Prevost69 years old.

As the first greeting the 267th Pontiff who received the name Leo ID ‘chose to wish “peace to all” by calling – in Italian and Spanish – in one “Missionary Church that builds dialogue and bridges, like this square, with open arms, dialogue and love.”

Born in Chicago in 1954, Leo is undertaken to lead the Roman Catholic Church in a period of intense transformations both within the Vatican and in the world community.

During the previous days there were reports that the Cardinal Electrators, the majority of which were of his choice Pope Francisthey wanted a Pope who would promote the predecessor’s legacy for the future but also to be able to strengthen unity within the Church.

Prevost was considered among the dominant persons with experts describing him as someone who could be a bridge between the two different worlds represented by the traditional and conservative one on the one hand Benedict and on the other hand the liberal progressive Franciscan.

According to The Guardian, the challenges ahead of him and the time of grace. In addition to the unity of the Church, the new Pontiff is called upon to play an important and decisive role in the world scene to prevent the tooling of religion as a factor of conflict, but also to be placed on issues that divide such as immigration, climate crisis, religious freedom.

At the same time, the British newspaper emphasizes, the shadow of sexual scandals remains heavy as the Pope Francis He has been strongly criticized for his initial inactivity, and should also make important decisions to govern the church with his positions on how to organize it to be critical.

Big thorn remain the finances of the Vatican And the supervision, the transparency and the growing deficit.

Finally, another issue that turns the gaze of many on him is the attitude he will take opposite In LOATKI+ Community.

According to the Vatican, Pope Leo will perform in the Sistina hats today and will be at St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday and will meet with journalists on Monday.

The election of Cardinal Prevost as a Pope sparked a wave of congratulations from leaders around the world. US President Donald Trump congratulated the New Pope, via a post on the Truth Social platform, stressing that for the first time an American is elected by the Roman Catholic Church and adding that he is looking forward to a meeting.

“The election of Pope Leo is a deeply moving moment of joy for Catholics in the United Kingdom and around the world”the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom emphasized Star starwhile the Italian prime minister Georgia emphasized that “The Italians will look at you as a guide and a point of reference, recognizing in your face the spiritual and moral authority that comes from the endless message of love and hope of God.”

Their congratulations were expressed by the Russian President, among other things, Vladimir Putinthe President of France, Emmanuel Macronthe new Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Mertz and the president of Argentina, Javier Miley.