After days of anticipation, the chimney of the Sistine Chapel once again emitted white smoke, announcing to the world that the Catholic Church had elected its new leader. Minutes later, Cardinal Dominique Mamberti appeared on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica to pronounce the traditional “Habemus Papam!”. The chosen one: Robert Francis Prevost, who will assume the pontificate under the name of Leo XIV.
The death of Pope Francis in the early hours of April 21 marks the end of a transformative pontificate, deeply marked by openness, inclusiveness and a pastoral approach close to the marginalized. His legacy has left its mark, but it has also generated divisions within the Vatican.