The ancient chimneys of the Sistine Chapel whispered history once again last Thursday, as the unmistakable plume of white smoke danced into the Roman sky.
In that moment, the world knew the Catholic Church had a new leader. Cardinal Robert Prevost had been elected the 267th Bishop of Rome, and he chose the name Pope Leo XIV.
As the bells of St Peter’s rang, tradition took centre stage. Inside the chapel, Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti approached the newly elected pontiff and posed two time-honoured questions: “Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?” and “By what name do you wish to be called?”
By accepting the election and naming himself Leo XIV, he took his first step into sacred history.
He later revealed that the name was a tribute to Pope Leo III, known for championing social justice and the rights of the working class, causes dear to the new pope’s heart.
Before his public appearance, the pope was led to the Room of Tears, a modest chamber beside the Sistine Chapel, where cardinals before him have stood, alone, to reflect and prepare.
It is here he exchanged his cardinal red robes for the papal white cassock, layered with a rochet, a red mozetta over his shoulders, and the ceremonial stole that signifies his spiritual office.
Come Sunday, in a grand inauguration Mass at St Peter’s Square, more rituals will unfold.
Pope Leo XIV will receive the pallium, a woollen vestment with six embroidered crosses placed around his neck, symbolising his authority over the universal Church.
Then comes the Fisherman’s Ring, a gold seal engraved with St Peter casting his net, a tribute to the first pope.
Valued at a staggering $520,000 (approx. KSh67 million), this ring will be placed on his right hand by Camerlengo Kevin Farrell, completing another piece of the papal regalia.
During his first Mass as the new pontiff, held in the Sistine Chapel, Pope Leo XIV carried a significant token, the papal ferula once used by Pope Benedict XIV, a symbol of both continuity and solemn responsibility.
But beyond the visible symbols, a papacy is also marked by what is unseen: vision and values. Pope Leo XIV has unveiled his papal coat of arms, a design honouring his roots in the Order of St Augustine and the mission he aims to uphold.
He also introduced his personal motto: “In the One, we are one”, a nod to the unity and spirituality at the heart of his calling.
On Monday, another curtain was lifted. The papal apartments, sealed since the passing of Pope Francis, were opened for him.
It remains unclear if he will occupy the ornate quarters or follow his predecessor’s humble choice of living at the Vatican guesthouse.
As Pope Leo XIV begins his journey, steeped in tradition yet guided by his compass, the world watches, hopeful for a papacy rooted in compassion, justice, and unity.