During a visit to a company in Vila do Conde, in the Porto district, Rui Rocha addressed journalists, who inquired whether he anticipated the campaign gaining more media attention following the election of a new Pope.
“It is up to us to ensure that such attention is garnered, although it is understandable that this is indeed news with global impact, affecting Europe and Portugal. We will continue to present our measures, and all I can do is wish the new Pope much luck and substantial capacity for global intervention,” stated the IL leader.
Earlier today, white smoke emerged from the chimney of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, mere minutes after 6 PM local time (5 PM in Lisbon), signifying the election of a new Pope.
The bells of St. Peter’s Basilica rang out in celebration, marking the appointment of the new head of the Catholic Church.
An immense cheer erupted from the several thousand people gathered in St. Peter’s Square upon seeing the white smoke, a moment accompanied by loud applause.
The 133 cardinal-electors reached a decision after two days of conclave.
Subsequently, the proto-deacon cardinal, Frenchman Dominique Mamberti, will appear on the balcony to announce the election with the famous Latin words: “Nuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus papam” (“I announce to you with great joy: we have a Pope”).
He will then state the elected cardinal’s name in Latin, along with the name by which he will be known as Pope.
The new Pope will then present himself to the faithful in St. Peter’s Square to introduce himself to the world.
Beforehand, the new Pope, whose identity will soon be revealed, moves from the Sistine Chapel to the so-called Room of Tears to change, as part of the election ritual, announced at 6:08 PM local time (5:08 PM in Lisbon) by the white smoke.
