The celebration sought to introduce young Catholics to the beauty of religious life while highlighting the foundational role of the family

Common themes included the need to engage youth, embrace sustainable living, and foster compassion in environmental efforts

“We, consecrated men and women in the Philippines, welcome the new Holy Father with filial devotion and synodal solidarity"

The bishops pledged support for the pope’s mission of evangelization, justice, peace, and care for the poor and creation

“The new pope is not claiming a throne but embracing a cross,” said Archbishop Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana of Bangkok

The smoke appeared shortly after the fourth ballot, following an earlier round of voting Thursday morning that ended inconclusively

The black smoke rose at 11:50 a.m. Rome time, following the second ballot of the day and the third overall since the start of the conclave

The smoke appeared more than three hours after the 133 electors were sealed inside the Sistine Chapel to begin the secret balloting process

They urged the faithful to stay spiritually engaged, hopeful the Church will welcome a pope who will lead with “love, humility, and faith"

Tagle has also been faulted for allegedly not speaking out more strongly against thousands of extrajudicial killings

The cardinals spoke of the “need to make the meetings of the College of Cardinals more significant on the occasion of consistories”

Their task is to choose the next Bishop of Rome, a leader who will guide the Church through pressing internal and global challenges