From smoking to the balcony, all the symbolic moments that bring the new pontiff in front of the world
The eyes of the world are focused on the chimney of the Sistine Chapel. After two black smokes, in the sky above San Pietro, the fateful white smoke has finally arrived.
It is precisely the white smoke that comes out of the chimney of the Sistine Chapel the most awaited signal, by the faithful but also by the curious: The Pope was elected.
But what exactly happens, minute by minute, after the light smoke rises in the sky of Rome? The protocol that activates in the Vatican is ancient, precise and deeply symbolic.
The white smoke and the bells of San Pietro
As soon as the white smoke begins to rise from the chimney, the faithful in St. Peter’s Square Esultano. But to have the official confirmation, The bells of the Basilica of San Pietro are expectedwho start playing celebrating: it is the final signal that a new pontiff has been chosen.
The acceptance of the newly elected
Inside the Sistine Chapel, Cardinal Decano approaches the newly elected and asks him: “You accept your canonical election in Supreme Pontiff?” If the cardinal responds “Accepto”, the election is official. Immediately after, he is asked With what name he wants to be called As Pope. It is a moment full of meaning: the name chosen will be the first message of the new pontificate.
The change of dress
The new pope is then conducted in the “Room of tears”a small environment next to the Sistine chapel where it is prepared and moved. Here he finds three papal tunics of different sizes (small, medium, large) ready for him. Wear for the first time the white clothes from Pontiff.
Oath and prayer
Before appearing in the world, the Pope prays briefly in the Sistine chapel in front of the altar and It swears loyalty to his new role. The cardinals present pay homage one by one.
Announcement to the world: Habemus Papam
In the meantime, a Cardinal Protodiacono is preparing to read the historic formula from Central balcony of the Basilica of San Pietro. When everything is ready, it appears on the gallery and pronounces the famous words:
“Annunio Vobis Gaudium Magnum: Habemus Papam!”followed by the name of the Cardinal elected and by the pontifical name he chose.
The first blessing: Urbi et orbi
A few minutes after the announcement, the new pope overlooks the balcony for the first time and greet the crowd gathered in the square. Pronounces a short speech, often excited and spontaneous, and then gives the first blessing urbi et orbito the city and the whole world.
From that moment, the world has a new pope.
