Habemus Papam - We have a Pope

White smoke emerged from the chimney over the Sistine Chapel just after 6pm Rome time this evening, Thursday 8th May signalling that the election of a Pope is confirmed.

The white smoke billowed out and was greeted by cheers, tears and then the sound of the bells.

Habemus Papam! We have a Pope.

About an hour after the white smoke we had the announcement from the Loggia that the new Pope is US cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who will be known as Pope Leo XIV.

Prayer of Thanksgiving for a New Pope

Gracious and merciful God,

we thank You for the gift of our new Holy Father.

In Your divine wisdom, You have chosen a shepherd

to lead with the heart of Christ - gentle, just, and full of mercy.

Bless him with courage to proclaim Your truth,

compassion to heal the wounded,

and humility to serve all people, especially the least among us.

May his leadership be a sign of Your boundless mercy

in a world thirsting for grace and peace.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Source: Mercy International Association