Just as the global community especially, the over 1.4 billion catholic world patiently awaits to the famous Habamus papam’ (We have a Pope) declaration, the Chmney of the Sistine Chapel of the St Peter’s Basilica bellows a white smoke signalling the election of the 267th Pontiff.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a former prefect of the influential Dicastery for Bishops, is a Chicago-born prelate with views close to Pope Francis who spent many years as a missionary in Peru before being elected head of the Augustinians for two consecutive terms.
Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Prevost entered the novitiate of the Order of Saint Augustine (OSA) in 1977 and made his solemn vows in 1981.
His educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Villanova University in 1977, a Master of Divinity from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, and both a licentiate and doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical College of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. His doctoral thesis was on “The role of the local prior in the Order of Saint Augustine.”
There was No election of the successor of Pope Francis after the third ballot of the conclave of 133 cardinals as black smoke rose from the chimney at 11:50 on Thursday morning May 8, 2025, just the second day of the start.
The black smoke had signaled the second ballot of the first full day of the conclave which begun May 7, 2025.
As the cardinals return from their lunch break and resumed the voting process at 16:00 hours on the first full day, the expectant crowd at the St Peter’s Square continue to look up at the chimney in anticipation to see the much awaited white smoke.
And behold! the 4th ballot on day two has delivered a new Pope for the Church, Pope Leo XIV.
Recent tradition and practice has shown that, the process for the election of the last ten Popes lasted not more than five days, averaging the casting of 10 ballots.
For instance, Pope John Paul II was elected in 1978 at the 8th ballot after 3 days, Pope Benedict XV1 was elected in 2005 at the 4th ballot after two days whilst Pope Francis was elected at the 5th ballot also after two days.
Devine guidance has lead the Cardinals in choosing the next Shepherd for God’s people.
By: Christian Kpesese
