Catholics worldwide are celebrating the election of their new pope.

Robert Francis Prevost, an American from Chicago, Illinois, was elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023.

On Thursday, May 8, 2025, after just over 24 hours of deliberation and four rounds of voting, the College of Cardinals, sequestered in Vatican City, chose Pope Leo XIV, the 267th successor to Saint Peter, as the new Bishop of Rome.

The papal conclave is held in complete secrecy within the Sistine Chapel to prevent any outside interference or distractions.

White smoke billowed from the chimney of the papal residence, signaling to the world’s faithful that a new pope, the Vicar of Christ, had been elected.

Thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, awaiting the commencement and conclusion of the voting process.

The crowds swelled as white smoke rose from the chimney following the traditional burning of the ballots, bound together with thread, after the vote.

The Swiss Guard stood watch outside the Vatican, amidst clergy and people waving flags from around the world in celebration as the new leader of the Catholic Church emerged onto the balcony to begin his papacy.

To celebrate the election of Pope Leo XIV, here are some congratulatory and prayerful phrases in Italian, provided by Annamaria Militana of Torrenova, Sicily.

“God bless the pope.”

Spoken in Italian: “Dio benedica il Papa.”

“Welcome, Holy Father.”

Spoken in Italian: “Benvenuto, Dio misericordioso.”

“May the Holy Spirit guide you.”

Spoken in Italian: “Che lo Spirito Santo possa guidarci.”

“Congratulations to the new pope.”

Spoken in Italian: “Congratulazioni al nuovo Papa.”

“Our prayers are with you.”

Spoken in Italian: “Le nostre preghiere sono con te.”

“Long live the pope.”

Spoken in Italian: “Lunga vita al Papa.”

“A new era for the Church begins.”

Spoken in Italian: “Una nuova era per la Chiesa sta per iniziare.”

“The Church rejoices in your leadership.”

Spoken in Italian: “La chiesa esulta nella tua guida.”

“A shepherd for all God’s people.”

Spoken in Italian: “Un pastore per tutti i figli di Dio.”

“Guided by faith.”

Spoken in Italian: “Guidato dalla fede.”

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