How is a new pope officially announced?

How is a new pope officially announced?

The senior elector amongst the cardinal deacons, currently French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, steps on to the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica to announce to the crowds in the square "Habemus Papam" (We have a Pope).

Their role in the election of the new pontiff, their ability to shape the doctrinal future of Catholicism and their presence in the great decisions make them essential actors in the living history of the Vatican.

WHAT’S A CARDINAL? THE ‘PRINCES’ OF THE CHURCH ELECTING A NEW POPE

Mon 05 May 2025: Cardinals from all over the world are poised to elect a successor to Pope Francis at the conclave that begins Wednesday. But what exactly is a cardinal? – HIGH DIGNITARY – A cardinal (from the Latin “cardinalis” or principal) is a high dignitary of the Catholic Church chosen by the pope to assist him […]

Whats a cardinal? The princes of the Church electing a new pope

Cardinals, the highest dignitaries in the Catholic Church, are tasked with advising the pope and electing a new leader. With 252 cardinals worldwide, only...