Albanese congratulates new pope, invites him to Australia
Make us a preferred source
Make us a preferred source on Google
More news: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has congratulated Pope Leo XIV, describing his election as "a momentous day for Catholics around the world and faithful in Australia".
In a statement, Albanese also invited the new pope, the first American pontiff, to visit Australia in 2028 for the International Eucharistic Congress.
What they said: "My government looks forward to continuing Australia’s strong relationship with the Holy See under Pope Leo XIV's pontificate," the prime minister said.
"This is a moment which will bring joy and hope to Catholics everywhere. May the papacy of Pope Leo advance the cause of peace and social justice for all humanity."
First American pope elected in Robert Prevost, named Pope Leo XIV
More news: American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected pope, becoming the first American pope in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church.
Prevost, 69, has taken the name Leo XIV.
Following the traditional Latin announcement “Habemus Papam” from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, the new pope’s given name and papal name were read out in Latin.
Prevost is a missionary who spent his career ministering in Peru and currently heads the Vatican’s powerful office of bishops. At the time of the announcement, the crowd in St Peter’s Square erupted in cheers and chants of “Viva il papa!” as they awaited the new pope’s first appearance.
What they said: “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum. Habemus Papam” — “I announce to you great joy. We have a pope,” was spoken by a senior cardinal who appeared on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica to announce the new pope.
“Robertum Franciscum Prevost … qui sibi nomen imposuit Leo Decimus Quartus” — the Latin announcement naming Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV.
White smoke emerges from Sistine Chapel signalling new pope chosen
The news: White smoke erupted from the Sistine Chapel at 6:09 pm Rome time (2:09 am AEST), signalling that the College of Cardinals has elected a new pope, the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
The context: The 133 cardinal electors, after beginning the conclave on 7 May, reached a decision on the first full day of voting.
The pope’s identity and chosen name will be announced from the central balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, following the traditional Latin proclamation “Habemus Papam.”
He will then appear dressed in papal robes to bless the crowd in St Peter’s Square.
Speculation had centred on Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state; Peter Turkson, a Ghanaian known for liberal views on social justice; Luis Tagle, a Filipino advocate for inclusivity; and Matteo Zuppi, an Italian cardinal known for humanitarian efforts including a peace mission in Ukraine.
The Vatican has not yet confirmed the new pope’s name.
