LOOP POPE WATCH: Pope Leo XIV signals continuity in first words as Pontiff

THURSDAY, MAY 8 - POPE WATCH POPE LEO XIV HONORS POPE FRANCIS, POPE LEO XIII  In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago was elected as the 267th pope today, becoming the first American to assume the papacy. Upon his election, he chose the name Leo XIV, a decision with historical resonance, and also delivered a message from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica that signaled immediate continuity with his predecessor, Pope Francis. READ PAPAL FOUNDATION ISSUES STATEMENT CELEBRATING POPE  In a statement issued just minutes after the first American pope was announced, the Papal Foundation issued a statement celebrating his election and expressing their commitment to continue to work closely with the Successor of Peter.  READ WHO IS THE MAN WHO ANNOUNCED 'HABEMUS PAPAM!'?  Who is Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, the man who delivered the words the world was waiting for: "Habemus Papam!" – "We have a Pope!"?  READ THE ROOM OF TEARS: WHERE CARDINAL PREVOST BECAME POPE LEO XIV  Tucked behind the Sistine Chapel, the Stanza delle Lacrime ("Room of Tears") is one of the Vatican's most intimate and emotionally charged – yet very little known – spaces. It's where the pope-elect goes immediately after accepting the role – and where new popes are often overwhelmed with emotion at the prospect of filling Peter's shoes.  READ SPREAD THE WORD! MORE TO COME FROM POPE WATCH  Habemus Papam! In the coming days, our on-the-ground team of reporters and analysts will have plenty more to share about our new pope and the historic events that take up the beginning of his tenure as the Vicar of Christ. Help us make sure no one misses out by forwarding this edition to your friends or inviting them to sign up at CatholicVote.org/GetLOOP. STAY IN THE LOOP ROME-BASED THEOLOGIAN EXPLAINS BIBLICAL ROOTS OF PAPACY  Father Andrew Dalton, L.C., a professor at the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum, recently spoke with CatholicVote to offer a Bible-based explanation of the papacy. Jesus Christ Himself established the papacy, Fr. Dalton said, in order to restore "a Davidic kingdom."  READ HOLY SMOKES! 3 LITTLE-KNOWN FACTS ABOUT THE SISTINE CHIMNEY  The world's most famous chimney had millions of dollars of live TV equipment pointed right at it for the past two days, prompting worldwide curiosity about the eccentric ecclesial cylinder. Now, you too can be a Vatican chimney expert with these three interesting facts that few people know.  READ PRAY WITH US  Please pray with us this short prayer for the new pope: Lord God, keep Pope Leo XIV close to Your Sacred Heart. Guide him in truth, strengthen him in grace, and let his every step draw the Church nearer to You. Amen. PRAY & SHARE Paid for by CatholicVote Civic Action, a 501(c)(4) organization. Update your email preferences or unsubscribe here. CATHOLICVOTE  |  PO Box 3310  |  Carmel, IN 46082  |  (317) 669-6127