Ruth Sherlock

At his inaugural Mass, Pope Leo XIV's main message is what he called his great desire for a united Church, a sign of unity and communion which becomes a leaven for a reconciled world. Pope Francis, so popular with liberals inside and outside the Church, was nonetheless a divisive figure. He upset many conservatives, many traditionalists in the Church.

At his inaugural Mass, Pope Leo XIV's main message is what he called his great desire for a united Church, a sign of unity and communion which becomes a leaven for a reconciled world. Pope Francis, so popular with liberals inside and outside the Church, was nonetheless a divisive figure. He upset many conservatives, many traditionalists in the Church.

Many hope that this Pope will be able to bring these different sides together in such a polarized world. They hope that there will be some greater sense of unity in the Church.

Many hope that this Pope will be able to bring these different sides together in such a polarized world. They hope that there will be some greater sense of unity in the Church.

Tell us what it was like. Well, you know, in those moments leading up to the white smoke, there were just people in prayer all over the square in their own languages. I heard Italian, French, Bengali. Sister Mary Agnes Mruga, a nun from Poland, gave this great description of what it was like waiting outside the Sistine Chapel while the cardinals were inside.

Tell us what it was like. Well, you know, in those moments leading up to the white smoke, there were just people in prayer all over the square in their own languages. I heard Italian, French, Bengali. Sister Mary Agnes Mruga, a nun from Poland, gave this great description of what it was like waiting outside the Sistine Chapel while the cardinals were inside.

Tell us what it was like. Well, you know, in those moments leading up to the white smoke, there were just people in prayer all over the square in their own languages. I heard Italian, French, Bengali. Sister Mary Agnes Mruga, a nun from Poland, gave this great description of what it was like waiting outside the Sistine Chapel while the cardinals were inside.

And then the white smoke just started billowing out of the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, meaning that new Pope had been chosen. There were marching bands and chants of Viva il Papa, Long Live the Pope, And then it was announced, Robert Provost, an American Cardinals Pope. You know, the reaction where I was was actually initially one of confusion.

And then the white smoke just started billowing out of the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, meaning that new Pope had been chosen. There were marching bands and chants of Viva il Papa, Long Live the Pope, And then it was announced, Robert Provost, an American Cardinals Pope. You know, the reaction where I was was actually initially one of confusion.

And then the white smoke just started billowing out of the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, meaning that new Pope had been chosen. There were marching bands and chants of Viva il Papa, Long Live the Pope, And then it was announced, Robert Provost, an American Cardinals Pope. You know, the reaction where I was was actually initially one of confusion.

Lots of people hadn't heard through the tinny speakers. People were frantically trying to check their phones, but there was no phone data. But gradually the name Provost kind of spread through the crowd. And then he appeared on the lodger of the Basilica.

Lots of people hadn't heard through the tinny speakers. People were frantically trying to check their phones, but there was no phone data. But gradually the name Provost kind of spread through the crowd. And then he appeared on the lodger of the Basilica.

Lots of people hadn't heard through the tinny speakers. People were frantically trying to check their phones, but there was no phone data. But gradually the name Provost kind of spread through the crowd. And then he appeared on the lodger of the Basilica.

His first words were, peace be with you all. And you know, Leila, his speech had echoes of the papacy of his predecessor, Francis, for its global message. He sent well wishes of peace to quote all of the people all over the earth. He gave a special greeting to the diocese of Chiclayo in Peru, where he lived for many years, where he was a bishop.

His first words were, peace be with you all. And you know, Leila, his speech had echoes of the papacy of his predecessor, Francis, for its global message. He sent well wishes of peace to quote all of the people all over the earth. He gave a special greeting to the diocese of Chiclayo in Peru, where he lived for many years, where he was a bishop.

His first words were, peace be with you all. And you know, Leila, his speech had echoes of the papacy of his predecessor, Francis, for its global message. He sent well wishes of peace to quote all of the people all over the earth. He gave a special greeting to the diocese of Chiclayo in Peru, where he lived for many years, where he was a bishop.

And he recited the Hail Mary prayer with thousands of people joining him from the square.

And he recited the Hail Mary prayer with thousands of people joining him from the square.

And he recited the Hail Mary prayer with thousands of people joining him from the square.

Well, the reaction was actually very mixed. Where I was standing, there was some disappointment, particularly among Italians. You know, there have been many Italian popes before and they were hoping that one of the Italian cardinals would be chosen. Among Americans, though, as you can imagine, there was shock. There absolutely isn't a precedent there.