The Pope Wore a White Sox Hat
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When the cardinals vote, they burn their ballots and send up smoke to signal their decision: white smoke to show they have chosen a new pope and black smoke if they have not decided. The tradition of burning the cardinals’ paper ballots dates back to the 15th century.
After the white smoke cleared, Brown papal historian David Kertzer reflected on the significance of an American pope, how the Catholic Church could change and how Italians are responding to Pope Leo XIV.
In her latest column installment, Chan analyzes the rise of conservative Christian nationalism and reflects on why the new pope could be what America needs.
Very recently, history was made not only in Rome, but also in America. When the white smoke rose above the Sistine Chapel and the name Pope Leo XIV was announced, a profound wave of hope arose. For the first time ever,
A two-day conclave has come to an end with the election of Pope Leo XIV, successor to Pope Francis and the first American Pope. On May 8, white smoke rose from the Vatican’s makeshift chimney as millions of Catholics and non-Catholics alike watched and waited.
COMMENTARY: Not since 1808 when Bishop John Carroll was the bishop of Baltimore — then the only diocese in the United States — has the Catholic Church in our country had a clear national leader.