A roar. It is 18.08 when the white smoke begins from the chimney of the Sistine chapel. Fibrillation, screams of joy, cries of panic. The journalists left in the press room rush out towards the square. Via della Conciliation is a river of people who come out of the way, almost running. There is emotion, disbelief, amazement. “I parked the car and went down,” says a lady. “We didn’t expect the white smoke so early,” say two girls who climb the planters to wait for the announcement of theHabemus Papam and know the new pontiff. Within a few minutes all of the conciliation until the Lungotevere is filled with people. Giovanni, 34 years old, Roman manager, says he is “incredible. This is a historical moment, from Catholic it is a particular spiritual emotion to know that the cardinals gathered to elect the new Pope. At a time when the Church seems hidden, especially in Europe, it is nice to see all these people who arrive in Rome. I am reminded of a phrase by Chesterton who said that Christianity has been declared dead many times and instead it is not so because it is based on the faith of a God who knows how to get out of the sepulcher ».
A group of Spanish pilgrims who was about to enter the square to cross the Holy Door is invited to stop. A group of children was going to a masked party and arrives with clothes. Feast canceled. There is to wait for the new Pope. In less than an hour they arrive in San Pietro one hundred and fifty thousand people. The band of the Vatican city arrives. Swiss guards in high uniform. Finally, the band of the Carabinieri. They all lift in the churchyard pending the arrival of the new Pope.
Beatrice, from Rome, cannot stop tears: “It’s my fourth conclave but every time it’s a different emotion.” Passing an hour, the red drape put from the window of the Loggia delle Blessing is agitated. Roar of the crowd. “He arrives, arrives,” says a six -year -old girl on his father’s shoulders. The cardinal Dominique Mamberti It seems to scrutinize the crowd. It has a moment of hesitation. Then the announcement: «Nuntio votis Gaudium Magnum. Habemus Papam ». On the name of baptism, Robert Francis, The square has a thrill of disorientation. Few know him. Even less recognize the name it has chosen: Leo XIV. “He is an American, we hope he is not Trumpian,” he murmurs a boy.
Robert Francis Prevost is the first North American Pope (albeit with Spanish, Italian and French origins) and also the first Augustinian Pope in history. MThere are few of American faithful in the square. «He talked about peace and this is very important. I am happy that there is an American Pope who can represent the beautiful part of our nation, “says Mark Di Chicago, just as Prevost. Jennifer from Massachusetts: “He made me a nice impression, he has kind eyes.” When it overlooks, in front of the crowd, it has a thrill of emotion and almost cannot hold back the tears. People are moved, a Filipino lady who “cheered” for her compatriot Louis Tagle bursts into crying. Leo XIV conquers everyone with his moved, almost clumsy silence, in front of the festive crowd. His first words warm the hearts. He speaks of peace in the world, of dialogue, of the need to build bridges. The risen Christ recalls, in which, the “evil will not prevail” marks. And remember that God loves everyone and that the Church must always be “close to those who suffer”. There is a detail that affects people.
Unlike his predecessors, Pope Leone does not speak in the arm. The speech was pinned on a Bloc Notes that seems almost disproportionate while holding him in his hands to read. “We still keep in our hearts that weak, but always courageous, voice of Pope Francis, who blessed Rome”, marks the newly elected pontiff. And the crowd breaks out in a long and great applause. «The pope who blessed Rome and gave his blessing to the whole world, that morning on Easter day. Allow me to follow up on that same blessing: God loves us, God loves you all and evil will not prevail!»He says while a lady is moved.
Don Daniele from Formia immediately rushed to the square: “A pope very excited and balanced, I was struck by the very strong reference to the risen Christ and the peace he has repeated several times”. Three pilgrims arrived from Sardinia are happy: “We console us to know that God has not left us alone”, they say, “we will learn to know him better, but I was struck by his reference to Pope Francis. During the plea at the Madonna of Pompeii (which takes place on May 8, editor’s note) we prayed for the election to take place today and the Madonna listened to us “. A Peruvian pilgrim is enthusiastic about the election even if, he admits, “I didn’t know him, however, the greeting in Spanish made me feel at home”. Beatriz, she too Spanish, smiles: “I don’t know him but I’m very happy,” he says, «It impressed me very much his emotion when he appeared in front of the square and the fact that he belongs to the order of San’Agostino, a great sinner and a great saint that I really like for his extraordinary humanity». Disappointed some Italians: “I hoped for Pizzaballa, too bad,” says a lady. Others emphasize that Leone XIV showed up with the red mozzette: “Bergoglio was simpler”. A group of scouts: “We thought Pietro Parolin was, the choice a little displaced us.” The square begins to empty slowly. Some want to approach the Basilica for a photo “On this historic day”. A group of Brazilian faithful rejoices: «The road taken by Francesco will follow. And this makes us happy ».
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