Pope Leo XIV yesterday spared a moment for troubles communities and war-torn nations. He sued for justice, peace, stability in war-torn areas.
He urged the faithful across the world to shed indifference in the face of those who have lost everything, like in Gaza, Yemen and the many migrants, who cross the Mediterranean Sea and the American continent for a better future.
The first U.S. pontiff addressed some 26,000 people from the loggia overlooking St. Peter’s Square for the traditional papal “Urbi et Orbi” address, Latin for “To the City and to the World,” which serves as a summary of the woes facing the world.
During the traditional address, the pope emphasised that everyone could contribute to peace by acting with humility and responsibility.
“If he would truly enter into the suffering of others and stand in solidarity with the weak and the oppressed, then the world would change,” the pope said.
Leo XIV called for “justice, peace and stability” in Lebanon, the Palestinian territories, Israel and Syria, prayers for “the tormented people of Ukraine,” and “peace and consolation” for victims of wars, injustice, political stability, religious persecution and terrorism, citing Sudan, South Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso and Congo.
The pope also urged dialogue to address “numerous challenges” in Latin America, reconciliation in Myanmar, the restoration of “the ancient friendship between Thailand and Cambodia,” and assistance for the suffering of those hit by natural disasters in South Asia and Oceania.
“In becoming man, Jesus took upon himself our fragility, identifying with each one of us: with those who have nothing left and have lost everything, like the inhabitants of Gaza; with those who are prey to hunger and poverty, like the Yemeni people; with those who are fleeing their homeland to seek a future elsewhere, like the many refugees and migrants who cross the Mediterranean or traverse the American continent,” the pontiff said.
He also remembered those who have lost their jobs or are seeking work, especially young people, underpaid workers and those in prison.
While the crowd gathered under a steady downpour during the papal Mass inside St. Peter’s basilica, the rain had subsided by the time Leo took a brief tour of the square in the popemobile, then spoke to the crowd from the loggia.
Leo XIV revived the tradition of offering Christmas greetings in multiple languages abandoned by his predecessor, Pope Francis. He received especially warm cheers when he made his greetings in his native English and Spanish, the language of his adopted country of Peru where he served first as a missionary and then as archbishop.
Someone in the crowd shouted out “Viva il papa!” or “Long live the pope!” before he retreated into the basilica. Leo took off his glasses for a final wave.
Earlier, the pope led the Christmas Day Mass from the central altar beneath the balustrade of St. Peter’s Basilica, adorned with floral garlands and clusters of red poinsettias. White flowers were set at the feet of a statue of Mary, mother of Jesus, whose birth is celebrated on Christmas Day.
In his homily, Leo underlined that peace can emerge only through dialogue.
“There will be peace when our monologues are interrupted and, enriched by listening, we fall to our knees before the humanity of the other,” he said.
He remembered the people of Gaza, “exposed for weeks to rain, wind and cold” and the fragility of “defenseless populations, tried by so many wars,” and of “young people forced to take up arms, who on the front lines feel the senselessness of what is asked of them, and the falsehoods that fill the pompous speeches of those who send them to their deaths.”
Thousands of people thronged the Basilica for the pope’s first Christmas Day Mass, holding aloft their smartphones to capture images of the opening procession.
This Christmas season marks the winding down of the Holy Year celebrations, which will close on Jan. 6, the Catholic Epiphany holiday marking the visit of the three wise men to the baby Jesus in Bethlehem.
The election of Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV—the first American-born pontiff has stirred a mix of joy, curiosity, and cautious optimism among Catholics in Nigeria. While many view his appointment as a sign of renewed global leadership and continuity with Pope Francis’ legacy of compassion and reform, others voice concerns about the moral and ideological challenges associated with his American roots. From university students and priests to theologians and street workers, Nigerian voices are echoing both excitement and apprehension as the Church turns a new page under Pope Leo XIV.
“I am excited about the appointment of a new pope for the Catholic church. I believe that he will be able to consolidate Pope Francis’ legacy of promoting world peace and bringing faith back to the church.
“I am consciously excited about our new Pope. It is given that every Catholic faithful like me should be happy. The challenge is having a Pope from America, where the challenge of moral depravity makes me worry. We are waiting to see his plans and vision for the church. We are also praying for him to succeed”.
These were the words of a student from Bell University in Ogun State, Arnold Obodoechi and a phone repairer and security officer, Godwin Osai in Lagos. The duo are Catholic faithful who spoke to The Nation as Catholic faithful relish the appointment of the first American pope: Cardinal Robert Prevost, the first US-born pontiff and will be known as Pope Leo XIV on the 8th of May.
Obodoechi said that the world is in turmoil and faith is fast fading away, especially among young people. This is a new and major challenge for the new pope around the world. How do we bring faith back to the church?
Osai, who lamented the state of things in Nigeria and worldwide, remains optimistic about the success of the new pope because the Catholic Church is a praying church. Though the new Pope is an American, where they are trying to sell same sex marriage, calls for vigilance. Same sex or LGBTQ is a curse and is alien to the Catholic faith. We don’t want to walk that path again as a church.
Nigerian clerics are offering blend of optimism, caution, and expectations
Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Unamba, of the Order of St. Augustine and a key organiser of a chapter meeting in Maraba, Nasarawa State, an event that Pope Leo XIV (then a cardinal and former bishop of Peru) had attended, expressed deep excitement over the news.
“We are so happy,” he said. “This is someone we have known. Pope Leo XIV visited Nigeria several times during his tenure as the Prior General of our order between 2001 and 2013. I met him during a general chapter in 2016 when I was head of logistics. I never imagined then that I was standing next to a future pope.”
Fr. Unamba described the new pope as a “moderate,” a quality he says distinguishes him from his predecessor, Pope Francis.
“People misunderstood Pope Francis as being too quick with reforms. Pope Leo will continue in that spirit but with moderation. He is a man of deep compassion, particularly for the poor and forgotten, but he’s also firm and focused. He gets things done.”
He further noted that the Augustinian roots of Pope Leo XIV are significant: “The Augustinian order emphasises community, humility, and service, values we expect will define his papacy.”
Asked if the Augustinians plan to celebrate the elevation of one of their own, Fr. Unamba smiled: “I don’t know yet, but surely, we’re rejoicing in our hearts.”
Meanwhile, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, a prominent Catholic priest based in Enugu, delivered an emotional response, calling the pope’s election an act of divine grace.
“The conclave could have lasted a week or more, but God simplified it. The white smoke appeared within two days—what should be difficult, God made simple,” Fr. Mbaka declared.
He defined Pope Leo XIV as “a humble, simple man of God,” adding: “He appeared like the moon; there is nothing anybody can do about it. God has chosen him.”
In a powerful exhortation to the faithful, Fr. Mbaka urged prayers for the new pope: “The pope in this present time is not like the pope 20 years ago. The world is changing. We are in a technology age with new mindsets, and people now question even biblical truths. To be a pope in such a time demands divine guidance.”
He called on all Catholics to see Pope Leo XIV as a spiritual father and light-bearer.
“He is our Papacy, the servant of the servants of God. May he never be exposed to predators or the forces of darkness? We cover him with the blood of Jesus. Through him, may the Church in our time enjoy a new flow of the Holy Spirit.”
New dawn for the Catholic Church- Father Alumuku
Fr Patrick Alumuku, Director of Social Communications, Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, a Nigerian Catholic priest, joined many faithful in welcoming the dawn of a new era for the global Church.
“I didn’t expect it to be so fast,” he said, referring to the brevity of the conclave. Despite the speed, the priest sees it as a sign that the cardinals went into the conclave with clarity and unity about the Church’s future.
This clarity produced a surprise candidate. “We didn’t expect the Augustinian,” Father Alumuku admitted. “His name never came up anywhere; it was a dark horse candidacy.” But that, he suggested, may have been the point. “The saying in Rome is: whoever goes into the conclave as pope comes out a cardinal.”
Yet behind the surprise was a man of exceptional pedigree. Born in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV has served in the U.S., Latin America, and Rome, and speaks fluent English, Spanish, and Italian. “He knows the Church in the developed and developing world,” Father Alumuku said. “He’s been a missionary, a bishop, a Vatican administrator, he has what it takes.”
Subtle messages, strong statements
Despite being American, Pope Leo notably avoided speaking English during his first address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, opting instead for Latin, Italian, and Spanish.
Asked whether the omission was deliberate, Father Alumuku reflected: “He may have been sending a message—especially to his fellow Americans—that this is not about nationalism. He is not an ‘American pope.’ He is the Bishop of Rome, the head of the universal Church.”
That global outlook was echoed in the new pontiff’s first words, where he emphasised three themes: being a missionary Church, a united Church, and a synodal Church—ideas strongly associated with Pope Francis.
“He called on us to be ‘missionaria’, a missionary people,” Father Alumuku explained. “This means we must go back to the basics: evangelising, reaching out, and making Christ known to people who haven’t heard of Him.”
Challenges on the horizon
But the enthusiasm of the moment doesn’t mask the realities ahead. “The fanfare will soon be over,” Father Alumuku acknowledged. “And then we must get back to the work of uniting the Church.”
The Church stands at a crossroads, dealing with global polarization, declining vocations in the West, and sensitive social issues—among them the role of women, the treatment of LGBTQ+ Catholics, and the push for inclusivity.
While Pope Francis’ statement about the blessing of gay individuals sparked widespread debate, Father Limoko emphasized the need for clarity. “There’s a big difference between blessing people and blessing unions. The Church must be careful not to confuse the two.”
He added that many African Catholics were disappointed by suggestions that an African pope would have been “too conservative.” “It’s sad. We understand world dynamics too. The Church in Africa is the fastest-growing in the world. It would be a mistake for any pope today not to take us seriously.”
Moderate reformer
As Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy, he’s seen by many as a moderate—a man who balances tradition with reform. “That’s a good thing,” said Father Limoko. “The Church needs someone with two feet on the ground.”
On reforms initiated by Pope Francis, such as bringing more laypeople and women into leadership roles, he expects continuity. “We saw women heading ministries in the Vatican for the first time, laypersons taking up strategic posts. Pope Leo is likely to continue that.”
The goal, according to the priest, is opening the Church without losing its soul. “We need to remain rooted in 2,000 years of tradition, but we must also show the world that Catholicism is alive, relevant, and welcoming.”
Pope for the whole church
From his early life in the U.S. to his missionary work in Latin America, from Vatican corridors to his Augustinian roots, Pope Leo XIV embodies the universality of the Church. He brings a global lens to an ancient office, just the kind of perspective needed at a time when the Church must evangelise anew in a fractured world.
“He quoted St. Augustine yesterday,” Father Limoko noted. “He said, ‘With you, I’m a Christian. For you, I am a bishop.’ That’s humility. That’s leadership.”
As the Church embraces its new leader, the excitement is palpable. But how long will the honeymoon last?
“Just a little while,” Father Limoko laughed. “Then we get to work. And that’s the real beauty of the Church,it never stops.”
New Pope’s leadership signals return to core theology, says Nigerian theologians
Two leading Nigerian theologians have offered cautious yet hopeful reflections on the newly elected Pope, suggesting his leadership could mark a return to core Christian doctrines and a more conservative approach to Church reforms.
In an exclusive interview with The Nation, a Theologian and Setman of Grace Missions International, Pastor Evans Adetokunbo Emmanuel shared his initial impression of the new Pope, highlighting the pontiff’s deep-rooted missionary background and concern for the marginalised.
“I feel, and I still feel, that we are looking at someone theologically well-dressed, who has demonstrated strong pastoral leadership,” he said. “His work with the poor in countries like Peru and his visits to Africa, including Nigeria, show he is not just administrative but deeply pastoral.”
On his part, the Deputy Provost of the Africa Centre for Theological Studies, Pastor William Udotong, said that he wasn’t very familiar with him prior to his election. “But I do recognise that his appointment marks the first time a Pope has emerged from the Americas, which in itself was a surprise, and it happened rather quickly. His past involvement in places like Peru, Congo, and Nigeria suggests a global perspective, which is noteworthy.
On theology and global challenges
Emmanuel pointed out that the Pope’s choice of papal name drawn from the Leo line, particularly Pope Leo XIII, signals alignment with past Popes who advocated for the working class and wrote extensively on labour and economic justice.
“This suggests he might be a strong advocate against global poverty,” Pastor Emmanuel noted.
Touching on global crises, he emphasised the Pope’s likely focus on war and terrorism.
“I believe he will act more than speak when it comes to issues like the Russia-Ukraine war, the crisis in Gaza, Sudan, Congo, and terrorism in West Africa, particularly Northern Nigeria.”
On gender and LGBTQ+ issues
When asked about how the new Pope might address gender roles and LGBTQ+ inclusion in the Catholic Church, Pastor Emmanuel predicted a conservative shift.
“He is more conservative than Pope Francis. While Pope Francis said, ‘Who am I to judge?’ and allowed blessings for same-sex couples, I think this Pope will retreat from that position, perhaps not confrontationally, but certainly in practice,” he explained.
He also noted potential minimal shifts in the role of women within the Church, but doubted the ordination of women or immediate changes to clerical celibacy.
“The celibacy rule may be debated, but not radically changed any time soon,” he said. “It’s a major issue, especially considering past abuses in the Church. However, any reform will take time.”
Pastor Udotong concurred: “I don’t expect him to deviate from what the Bible teaches. The scripture is clear. I hope he will reflect deeply on biblical teachings and maintain the Church’s traditional stance, especially on marriage and gender identity.”
Return to the Nicene Creed
One of the most striking observations Pastor Emmanuel shared was the Pope’s apparent emphasis on the Nicene Creed, a foundational Christian statement of faith formed in the fourth century.
“If he is indeed revisiting the Nicene Creed, it’s significant,” he said. “That’s the core of what all Christian denominations including Catholic, Protestant, Pentecostal all believe. If he centers that, we might witness a unifying revival in global Christianity.”
African representation and hope
On the issue of African representation, Pastor Emmanuel acknowledged that while expectations were high for a Black Pope, this new pontiff has strong African ties, particularly through his repeated visits to Nigeria and his association with the Augustinian order, named after St. Augustine, an African theologian.
“He understands Africa’s place in Church history. His inclusion of the Nigerian president at the Vatican speaks volumes,” he noted. “Given his conservative stance on social issues, he will enjoy strong support from African clergy.”
Nigerian context and challenges
When asked about the most pressing challenges facing the Catholic Church in Nigeria, Pastor Emmanuel emphasized the danger posed by terrorism.
“Terrorists often target Catholic clergy because of their visibility and symbolic power. The Pope cannot ignore this,” he said. “We need his global influence to pressure governments to act.”
Udotong thinks differently stating that the new Pope represents the entire Catholic Church, and I believe he will strive to be fair and just in his leadership. I don’t expect the Nigerian Church or any other regional body will be treated differently. Inclusion should be based on fairness, and that’s what I believe he stands for.
Outlook on theological education and reform
Regarding potential shifts in theological practice and education in Nigeria, the pastor said the Pope’s conservative theological leanings would align with the prevailing culture among Nigerian clergy.
“Most Nigerian Catholics already reject liberal stances on LGBTQ+ and gender roles,” he stated. “But if the Pope centres the Nicene Creed and walks back post-Creed doctrines, we could see meaningful reform that strengthens unity and biblical orthodoxy.”
In conclusion, Pastor Emmanuel remains hopeful. “If the new Pope can lead a return to the essentials of our faith — Scripture, Christ, the Creed, it will be a profound moment for global Christianity.”
Udotong added a cautionary note: that many are indeed calling for reforms and modernisation, but we must be careful not to set an agenda for the Pope. I hope that he will bring the Church closer to the biblical standard, more ethical, and more grounded in scripture. If some practices need to be reviewed or reformed, it should be done within the scope of the Bible. We shouldn’t allow external cultural values, especially those not aligned with Scripture, to dictate the direction of the Church.
It is a wonderful irony of history that the papal conclave in Rome should choose as the new pontiff, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who , at 69, is the 267th occupant of the throne of St Peter and the first American ever to be so elected. The Roman Catholic conclave and its grizzled cardinals are consummate past masters and poker-faced gnomes of global geopolitics and its great, irrational dynamics. There are many shrewd observers who believe that this is not a play of irony at all but a compelling game of bridge enacted at the highest echelon of global politics. As the new pope, Leo X1V brings to office the exalted virtues of humility, compassion and nobility of worldview. In a world sent reeling and gasping for breath by the combustible and disruptive politics of another American, these are values so antithetical to the worldview of Mr Donald Trump that one can be forgiven for wondering whether it was the same country that threw them up.
Yet they are. Both president and pope represent two antipodal possibilities of leadership in the same society and the promise of redemption once a society gets it right. Consequently, no human society, nation or race can be written off on the basis of current misdirection or misapplication of national genius. It is the triumph of hope and human salvation over the horrors of actual existence. It is to be noted that unlike Mr Trump who comes with overwhelming military, political and economic capability to impose his will on a global scale, the pope is armed only with his moral authority and the leverage of outstanding personal example. It is the might of example over the example of might.
It is a long time ago when Josef Stalin as the undisputed master of the Soviet Empire and arguably the most powerful man in the world at that point sucked at his famous pipe and wondered aloud about how many divisions a sitting pope could muster. This was in response to diplomatic murmurs that the pontiff was very unhappy about Stalin’s conduct. Among the communist triumvirate that took over power after the Russian revolution Stalin, a failed seminarian, was the most militant and open in his hostility to formal religion. In a story possibly apocryphal, it was said that when Stalin after becoming the undisputed master and law-giver of the Soviet Empire returned home to his native Georgia, his mother, a feisty Georgian matriarch, reportedly crowed that it was a pity the great man failed as a priest.
The old woman may have a point. Long after the Soviet Empire had collapsed and disappeared in the sand of time, the church, particularly the Roman Catholic empire, is still standing and waxing stronger. Despite the great political turbulence occasioned by ever-shifting geopolitical dynamics, despite the occasional resort to underhand economic deals and fiscal dodginess, despite the frailties and peccadilloes some of its priests, the Catholic church has fought along the side of the people particularly in predominantly Roman catholic nations such as Brazil, Portugal, the Philippines and East Timor in their struggle against autocracy and indigenous tyranny. Its great Jesuits and brilliant priests have contributed greatly to the expansion of the frontiers of knowledge and learning, opening new vistas in science, astrology, astronomy, geophysics and philosophy. For every Copernicus and Galileo persecuted, there were great pathfinders such as Augustine, Francis of Assisi, Thomas Aquinas, Spinoza, Ignatius of Loyola and several other lesser known grandees of human thought and development such as the liberation theologians of Latin America. Almost six centuries later, the voice of Bartolome de las Casa, the local Catholic Bishop of Chiapas, continues to ring out from the grave about the horrendous atrocities committed at the Spanish mines of Potosi leading to the extermination of the indigenous populace and captive Africans who were dragooned to work the mines.
This is the great tradition and the heroic forebears that have thrown up Pope Leo and his illustrious predecessor, the much revered and much beloved Pope Francis who originally hailed from Argentina and was a man of cosmopolitan distinction who labored greatly to enhance the status of the poor, the underprivileged and the under-represented of the world. Pope Leo himself did some back-breaking work among the poor and the wretched of the earth in Peru. Such was his devotion to his congregation that he took up Peruvian citizenship and for a long time many were wont to think of him as a Peruvian rather than as American-born. Such is the solidity and organic coherence of this noble tradition that Pope Leo has reaffirmed his commitment and adherence to the path taken by his noble predecessor. His opening gambit has not disappointed those who expected him to be a champion of the poor and he has made a pitch for the global underclass and voiced his concern about the horrific carnage in Gaza and Ukraine and the plight of their hapless denizens in his usually calm demeanour.
This quiet stubbornness and insistence on what is right, just and fair for everybody, this steely obduracy about speaking out against injustice and about the appalling condition of the human species and the growing abridgement and outright abrogation of freedom of speech in an America lurching to the far right is bound to push the new pope on the path of conflict with the new authorities in the land of self-evident truths about the unalienable rights of humanity. The fact that the new pope is American-born heightens the contradictions and poetic ironies. For it gives him greater clout than his predecessor could ever dream off to act as a countervailing voice against the new autocrats of Europe and the authoritarian fiasco brewing in his own backyard. This is probably why the conclave pushed for him in a moment of inspired calculation. Since this is essentially a battle of will and a duel of wits, matters are not expected to get out of hand, but if they do, one can hear the American royal protagonist screaming: “Who will rid me of this turbulent priest?” This is just as it happens in Murder in the Cathedral. It will not be the first time a pope is in mortal danger because of his steadfast convictions.
Without any iota of self-irony and in a revelation laced with blindness and insight in equal measures, Donald Trump has let it be known that he was responsible for the election of the new pope. As we can see from the preceding analysis nothing can be closer and farther from the truth at the same time. The pope might have been elected because of Donald Trump but not for the reasons he thought as he is bound to find out in the long run. As we have noted in an earlier column, it will be unfair and unwise to demonize the American president just because of what he is. Donald Trump is a product of the American society and its regnant contradictions. From a particular transactional prism, much of what he has to say is true and telling. Even in the most liberal and generous of traditional African society, there is a saying that they will not continue to invite you to communal dinner if you have nothing to contribute. As Franz Kafka would have put it, “it is not that what you say is untrue but it is so harsh”. Economically beleaguered countries must get their act together.
As a young nation and fresh society, that is if we discount the decimation of the indigenous populace, America has been spared the pathologies of old traditional societies and their memory-encrusted traumas. This vigour and freshness of vision are what have borne the new nation along as it traversed new political and economic territory, leaving older nations stranded behind. But like a mysterious and mythical bogey, the old world and older civilizations often disturb and destabilize America’s self-assurance and swashbuckling confidence by the imponderable deviousness of their ways and their unfathomable political resilience. In dealing with this bogey, America oscillates between extreme calculated cruelty and stupendous child-like generosity. This is what has brought Trump as a final solution.
In re-imagining a newer and better world away from the current meanness of spirit and horrific destruction, it is the America of oceanic plenitude of resources which it was willing to share, the America of the massive and paradigm-changing Marshall Plan that rescued Europe from economic ruination, the America that left thousands of its own behind in Parisian graves as it fought to rescue Europe from the clutches of fascism, the America of the Peace Corps and ASPAU and the America that lent its enormous resources to prodemocracy forces in Nigeria in their struggle to rid their nation of military despotism that must come to the fore of the human imagination.
This is the America that threw up the current pope with his nobility of purpose, his compassion and charity towards all. There are millions of Americans like him out there. But we must not get carried away by the euphoria of premature triumphalism. The pope’s voice does not carry any economic weight, nor does he have troops at his command, as Stalin famously reminded his papal forbear. His is the force of overwhelming moral authority and outstanding example. This is what should matter in a re-imagined world. We say welcome to the Pope of Good Hope.
In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States has been elected the 267th pope, becoming the first American to ascend to the papacy.
The 69-year-old former bishop from Chicago will be known as Pope Leo XIV, succeeding Pope Francis as the spiritual leader of more than 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
Here are ten things to know about Cardinal Robert Francis
1. First American Pope Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has made history as the first pope from the United States. He hails from Chicago, Illinois.
2. New Papal Name: Leo XIV He has chosen the name Pope Leo XIV, linking his papacy to a long line of reformers and scholars who previously held the name.
3. Age and Background At 69 years old, Pope Leo XIV brings decades of experience in pastoral work, missionary service, and Church governance.
4. Missionary Roots in South America He spent over a decade serving as a missionary in Trujillo, Peru, reflecting a strong commitment to evangelization and community development.
5. Dual Citizenship Although American by birth, the new pope has held Peruvian citizenship since 2015, highlighting his deep connection to Latin America.
6. Former Bishop of Chiclayo Before his rise in the Vatican, he was bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, from 2014 to 2023, a role in which he was praised for his pastoral approach.
7. Vatican Leadership Experience Prior to his election as pope, he led the Dicastery for Bishops, overseeing the appointment of bishops worldwide—a key role in shaping the Church’s future leadership.
8. Advocate of Pope Francis’ Reforms Pope Leo XIV is expected to continue the reformist legacy of Pope Francis, focusing on transparency, accountability, and outreach. 9. A Self-Described Missionary In his own words: “I still consider myself a missionary… to proclaim the Gospel wherever one is.” This quote underscores his commitment to evangelization.
10. Global Perspective With roots in North America, citizenship in South America, and experience in the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV brings a truly global outlook to the papacy.
White smoke billowing from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel has signalled the successful election of a new pope by the College of Cardinals.
Cheers erupted from the thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square as bells tolled across the Vatican, marking the historic moment.
Although the identity of the new pontiff has not yet been disclosed, a senior cardinal is expected to make the formal announcement shortly with the traditional declaration, Habemus Papam – “We have a Pope” – followed by the pope’s chosen name.
US President Donald Trump has stirred a mix of laughter, shock and spirited debate after posting an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the pope on his Truth Social platform.
The image, which quickly gained traction online and was later reposted by the White House’s official X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, portrays Trump in full papal regalia—complete with flowing white robes, a golden crucifix, a mitre, and his trademark pointed finger raised skyward.
The post follows a tongue-in-cheek remark by Trump earlier in the week. When asked by reporters who he supported as the next pope, Trump quipped: “I’d like to be pope, that would be my number one choice,” drawing chuckles from the press corps.
The comment came just days before the conclave convened to select a new pope following the death of Pope Francis on April 21.
While Trump refrained from naming a preferred successor, he hinted at admiration for “a very good” cardinal in New York—widely believed to be Archbishop Timothy Dolan, a known theological conservative and vocal opponent of abortion.
Trump also made headlines last week with his attendance at Pope Francis’ funeral, marking his first official international appearance since returning to office.
The AI image has sparked a flurry of reactions across political and religious circles, with critics questioning the tastefulness of the post, while supporters lauded it as classic Trump showmanship
The Vatican has set May 7 as the start date for Catholic cardinals to begin the conclave to elect Pope Francis’ successor, delaying the secret voting for two days so they can get to know one another better.
According to Vatican sources, the delay was also aimed at finding consensus on a candidate before they are sequestered in the Sistine Chapel.
The cardinals set the date after arriving for the first day of informal meetings following Pope Francis’ funeral Saturday.
In a chaotic scene, journalists shouted questions about the mood inside and whether there was unity. A reporter for a satirical Italian television programme asked whether an Italian cardinal who has been convicted by the Vatican criminal court on finance-related charges would be allowed to vote.
The conclave could have opened as early as May 5, but the cardinals gave themselves extra time to speak in more informal sessions that include cardinals over age 80, who will not be allowed into the Sistine Chapel once the conclave begins. They will next meet today.
“There is the hope of unity,” said Argentine Cardinal Ángel Sixto Rossi, the 66-year-old archbishop of Cordoba, who Francis made a cardinal in 2023.
Many cardinals cited the desire to continue Francis’ pastoral focus on people who are marginalised and against war. But conservatives may be more focused on forging unity and refocusing the church back on core doctrines emphasised by St. John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI, rather than continuing Francis’ social justice focus and outreach to women and gays.
British Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the 79-year-old archbishop of Westminster, was adamant that the church must strive for unity, and he downplayed divisions.
The College of Cardinals that will elect a new pope includes members from far-flung corners of the globe whom Francis named over his 12-year papacy to bring in new points of view — often at the expense of traditional centers of Catholicism.
Many have spent little or no time in Rome getting to know colleagues, injecting some uncertainty into a process that requires two-thirds of the voting-age cardinals to coalesce behind a single candidate.
Nichols acknowledged that the 135 cardinal electors — 108 of whom were appointed by Francis — don’t know each other very well. The last 20 were appointed in early December.
“We’ve got all week,” Nichols said as he arrived.
Only cardinals under 80 are eligible to vote, and it is not clear how many of the 135 will participate. A Spanish cardinal has said he won’t come to Rome for health reasons.
A big uncertainty is whether Cardinal Angelo Becciu, once one of the most powerful cardinals in the Vatican, will be allowed in the Sistine Chapel. Francis in 2020 forced Becciu to resign as head of the Vatican’s saint-making office and renounce his rights as a cardinal because of allegations of embezzlement and financial fraud. Becciu denied any wrongdoing but was put on trial in the Vatican criminal court and convicted of finance-related charges in December, 2023.
He is appealing the conviction and has participated in the pre-conclave meetings, but there is a lingering question about whether he is entitled to vote. The Vatican’s official statistics list him as a “non-elector.” When he was ousted in 2020, Becciu told a hastily arranged press conference that he wouldn’t be voting in any future conclave, but recently he has insisted he is entitled to vote, and canon lawyers have been poring over the Vatican document regulating the conclave to determine if he’s right.
The case was discussed yesterday by cardinals but there was “no resolution,” the Vatican said.
Papal candidates
While Francis stacked the ranks with his cardinals, it is not necessarily the case that all of them will want to see the church continue in his image.
Yesterday, any glimpse of a red cap appearing along St. Peter’s Square’s stately colonnade set journalists running with cameras and voice recorders aloft to capture the mood inside.
Italian Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, considered a contender to be the next pope, navigated the scrum of journalists with humour, joking that he was “holding his breath” as the microphones and cameras surrounded him all the way to the Vatican gate.
Nigerian Cardinal John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan, the emeritus archbishop of Abuja, was asked if the African cardinals were coalescing around a particular candidate.
African bishops had made a remarkably united stand last year against Francis’ outreach to LGBTQ+ people, refusing to implement his declaration allowing priests to offer blessings to same-sex couples. Given such a stand, there is some speculation that the 18 African cardinal electors could help block a progressive candidate from emerging.
“We have not come here for a political rally. We have come to get a pope out,” said Onaiyekan, who at 81 is too old to vote but can have a role in influencing how younger electors might.
Cardinals will meet next month in a secret conclave to elect the next pope, the Vatican has said.
The closed-door meeting will start inside the Sistine Chapel on 7 May and will involve some 135 cardinals from across the world.
It follows the death of Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88 on Easter Monday and whose funeral was held on Saturday.
There is no timescale as to how long it will take to elect the next pope, but the previous two conclaves, held in 2005 and 2013, lasted just two days.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said cardinals will take part in a solemn mass at St Peter’s Basilica, after which those eligible to vote will gather in the Sistine Chapel for the secretive ballot.
Once they enter the Sistine Chapel, cardinals must have no communication with the outside world until a new Pope is elected.
There is only one round of voting on the first afternoon of the conclave, but the cardinals will vote up to four times every day afterwards.
A new pope requires a two-thirds majority – and that can take time.
Each cardinal casts his vote on a simple card that says, in Latin: “I elect as Supreme Pontiff” to which they add the name of their chosen candidate.
If the conclave completes its third day without reaching a decision, the cardinals may pause for a day of prayer.
Outside the Sistine Chapel the world will be watching for the smoke from the chimney.
If the smoke is black, there will be another round of voting. White smoke signals that a new pope has been chosen.
On Saturday, politicians and royalty joined thousands of mourners as Pope Francis’ funeral was held in St Peter’s Square.
Hymns played out on giant speakers, occasionally drowned out by the sound of helicopters flying overhead, before 91-year-old Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re gave a homily on the pope’s legacy.
After a ceremony, huge crowds lined the streets of Rome to watch as the Pope’s coffin was carried in a procession to his final resting place, Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica.
Authorities said 140,000 people had lined the streets, clapping and waving as the hearse – a repurposed white popemobile – crossed the Tiber river and drove past some of Rome’s most recognisable sights: the Colosseum, the Forum and the Altare della Patria national monument on Piazza Venezia.
On Sunday images of Pope Francis’s tomb at the church were released showing a single white rose lying on the stone that bears the name he was known by during his pontificate, below a crucifix illuminated by a single spotlight.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Monday described the late Pope Francis as someone committed to interfaith dialogue who brought hope for peace in a diverse nation, nurturing unity in the face of many challenges.
Mourning the late Pope Francis, CAN said he was a towering figure of faith whose papacy radiated mercy, justice, and a profound love for humanity.
The religious body said the late Pope left an indelible mark on Nigeria, where he strengthened the Church by appointing Nigerian bishops and cardinals, affirming the vibrant faith of our people.
According to a statement issued by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, “It is with deep sorrow that the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) mourns the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, who departed this life at the age of 88. On behalf of the national leadership of CAN and the entire Christian community in Nigeria, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Church and to all who held dear his extraordinary leadership and boundless compassion.
“His unwavering commitment to interfaith dialogue brought hope for peace in our diverse nation, nurturing unity in the face of many challenges. His outspoken advocacy against poverty, corruption, and inequality deeply resonates with us, urging all to uphold the dignity of every Nigerian.
“Though he never visited Nigeria, his pastoral journeys across Africa conveyed powerful messages of solidarity. His teachings in _Laudato Si’ and Amoris Laetitia_ enriched our spiritual lives, addressing vital issues such as environmental stewardship and the sanctity of family life.
“As we bid farewell to this devoted servant of God, we pray for the peaceful repose of his soul and for the Catholic Church in this time of transition. May the legacy of Pope Francis, rooted in compassion, justice, and humility, continue to inspire us as we strive towards a more united and righteous Nigeria”.
