Ruth Sherlock

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.

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.

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.

For previous popes, Leo XIV is the first pope from the United States, as we said, and there was jubilation. Here's Max Gleason. He's a 21-year-old American college student studying in Rome.

For previous popes, Leo XIV is the first pope from the United States, as we said, and there was jubilation. Here's Max Gleason. He's a 21-year-old American college student studying in Rome.

For previous popes, Leo XIV is the first pope from the United States, as we said, and there was jubilation. Here's Max Gleason. He's a 21-year-old American college student studying in Rome.

So lots of optimism about what this Pope might be able to achieve. Lots of expectations. It's a very difficult time in the world. And Pope Francis spoke repeatedly about human suffering in conflict, about poverty, and many people hoping he'll continue that legacy. And Pierre's Ruth Sherlock. Thank you, Ruth. Thanks so much, Leila.

So lots of optimism about what this Pope might be able to achieve. Lots of expectations. It's a very difficult time in the world. And Pope Francis spoke repeatedly about human suffering in conflict, about poverty, and many people hoping he'll continue that legacy. And Pierre's Ruth Sherlock. Thank you, Ruth. Thanks so much, Leila.

So lots of optimism about what this Pope might be able to achieve. Lots of expectations. It's a very difficult time in the world. And Pope Francis spoke repeatedly about human suffering in conflict, about poverty, and many people hoping he'll continue that legacy. And Pierre's Ruth Sherlock. Thank you, Ruth. Thanks so much, Leila.

The first vote, just hours after the start of the conclave, was always unlikely to result in a papal election. But nonetheless, crowds of thousands stood in St. Peter's Square, keeping their eyes trained on that small chimney, the cardinal's only way of signalling to the outside world if they've chosen a new pope.

The first vote, just hours after the start of the conclave, was always unlikely to result in a papal election. But nonetheless, crowds of thousands stood in St. Peter's Square, keeping their eyes trained on that small chimney, the cardinal's only way of signalling to the outside world if they've chosen a new pope.

Many priests and nuns were among the crowd, praying that the cardinals will hear the Holy Spirit to discern God's will about who should become Pope. There was laughter too, as a seagull landed near the chimney, settling in for a front row seat. The sky grew dark, and then black smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel. Ruth Sherlock, NPR News, St Peter's Square, the Vatican.

Many priests and nuns were among the crowd, praying that the cardinals will hear the Holy Spirit to discern God's will about who should become Pope. There was laughter too, as a seagull landed near the chimney, settling in for a front row seat. The sky grew dark, and then black smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel. Ruth Sherlock, NPR News, St Peter's Square, the Vatican.

The Vatican's official media says the Popemobile that Pope Francis used during his 2014 visit to the Holy Land is being outfitted with diagnostic and emergency medical equipment to help young patients in Gaza. Health services have been decimated during Israel's war against Hamas in the Palestinian enclave. The Popemobile will carry things like suture kits and vaccines and be run by medical staff.

The Vatican's official media says the Popemobile that Pope Francis used during his 2014 visit to the Holy Land is being outfitted with diagnostic and emergency medical equipment to help young patients in Gaza. Health services have been decimated during Israel's war against Hamas in the Palestinian enclave. The Popemobile will carry things like suture kits and vaccines and be run by medical staff.

The Catholic aid organisation Caritas Jerusalem, which leads the initiative, has to navigate restrictions on access to Gaza. but ultimately plans to deploy the clinic to communities that now survive without health facilities. Pope Francis called the Holy Family Church in Gaza almost every day throughout the war, including from his hospital bed, as he was critically ill with double pneumonia.