“Habemus Papam”

The Church has a new shepherd: Pope Leo XIV has been elected as the 268th successor of St. Peter, following the conclave held after the death of Pope Francis. The announcement, marked by the appearance of white smoke from the Sistine Chapel, drew tens of thousands of faithful to St. Peter’s Square —including seminarians from Collegio Sedes Sapientiae, who were blessed to witness this extraordinary moment in Church history.

Shortly after 7:00 p.m., the traditional “Habemus Papam” was announced from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. Then came the first glimpse of the new Holy Father, who chose the name Leo XIV. In a moment of deep reverence and joy, the new Bishop of Rome began his address with the words of the risen Christ, saying, “Peace be with you all,” to Rome and to the world. Among the vast sea of faithful stood the seminarians, who shared in the joy and spiritual grace of this historic night.

“It was a privilege and a profound blessing to be present,” said Midhun Vadakkan, a first-year theology student. “Being in Rome allowed us to be part of something the whole Church will remember for generations.”

The seminarians also attended the new pope’s first Regina Coeli on Sunday, May 18, during which Pope Leo XIV greeted the faithful and emphasized a message of peace, hope, and life.

Who is Pope Leo XIV?

Pope Leo XIV was born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, USA, in 1955. A member of the Order of St. Augustine (OSA), he served for many years as a missionary and later as bishop in Peru, before being appointed prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops by Pope Francis. A respected canonist and pastor, he is known for his humility, missionary zeal, and commitment to forming servant-leaders for the Church.

His choice of the name “Leo” evokes the memory of Pope Leo the Great and Pope Leo XIII—both defenders of truth and bridges between the Church and the world.