Pope Leo XIV - what happens next?

The day after any papal election is a blur of prayer, protocol, and logistics. But it’s also the beginning of a delicate transition. Pope Leo the Fourteenth inherits not just the white cassock, but an intricate network of expectations—spiritual, political, and bureaucratic. So what comes next?

First, the ceremonial obligations. He will celebrate Mass in the Sistine Chapel with the cardinal electors who chose him. This is more than a tradition. It’s a public act of unity and a signal that the Church has moved from deliberation to direction.

Then on Sunday, the new pope will deliver the Regina Coeli prayer from a window overlooking Saint Peter’s Square. That weekly prayer—recited during the Easter season in place of the Angelus—will be his first chance to connect with the faithful in a more informal setting. It will also mark his first public remarks since his balcony address. Expect close attention to tone, language, and even which language he chooses to speak.

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With white smoke clearing and history made, our coverage now follows Robert Francis Prevost—the first American ever elected pope—as he begins his reign as Pope Leo XIV.
Our daily bulletins track this unprecedented pontificate from his first blessing to his installation mass, analyzing how this Chicago-born, Peru-naturalized former Vatican insider will lead 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.

What does his choice of the name "Leo" signal? How will his two decades in Latin America shape his global vision? Will he extend Francis's inclusive approach or chart a new course blending American pragmatism with Latin American experience?

As he confronts declining Western attendance, explosive growth in the Global South, and calls for reform, WHITE SMOKE delivers essential daily insights into this pivotal moment when ancient tradition meets modern challenge under unexpected but historic leadership.

Join us for daily episodes wherever you get your podcasts.

Our series will now document the crucial early days of this pontificate as the new Holy Father establishes the tone and direction of his leadership. We'll examine:

The significance of his chosen papal name and what it signals about his priorities and vision

His first address from the loggia of Saint Peter's Basilica and the themes he emphasizes

The ceremonial mass where he'll formally begin his ministry

The composition of his initial leadership appointments and Vatican restructuring

His first audiences with world leaders and initial diplomatic engagements

Early indications of whether he'll continue Pope Francis's path of greater inclusion or chart a different course

We'll bring you exclusive interviews with Vatican insiderstheological experts, and ordinary Catholics from around the world reacting to this historic transition.

From the elaborate installation ceremonies to the first major decisions of this pontificate, we'll provide context for understanding these ancient traditions alongside the very modern challenges facing Catholicism today: declining attendance in Western nations, growth in the Global South, ongoing abuse scandals, calls for doctrinal reform, and the Church's role in global crises.

Join us as we witness the beginning of this new chapter in the world's oldest continuously functioning institution and explore what it means for Catholics and non-Catholics alike in our rapidly changing world.

• No. of episodes: 50
• Latest episode: 2025-05-14
• Religion & Spirituality Society & Culture Documentary Christianity

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