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21 Jun 2025
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21 Jun 2025
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Monsignor Eamonn McLaughlin and John Richard in Rome. Photo: Raphoe Diocese
John Richard of the Letterkenny Parish Pastoral Council is currently in Rome to witness the historic events surrounding the election of the new Pope.
Mr Richard of Conwall and Leck Parish met Monsignor Eamonn McLaughlin, originally from Downings, in the Italian capital. The news was shared by Raphoe Diocese on their social media accounts, describing Mr Richard as a “valued member” of the parish.
This evening, with all eyes set on the colour of the smoke emerging from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, white smoke was to be seen, confirming a new pope has been elected.
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, was confirmed as the new pope when he appeared on the front balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, which overlooks St Peter’s Square. He is the first American to be elected pope.
A two-thirds majority was required for the new pope to be elected. An announcement in Latin of “Habemus Papam” - meaning “we have a pope” - is made alongside the new pontiff’s appearance.
Monsignor McLaughlin was appointed by the late Pope Francis as a Canon of the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome in April last year.
As a Canon, Monsignor McLaughlin forms part of the Chapter responsible for overseeing the liturgical life and pastoral care of the Basilica.
The Basilica also holds special importance as it is the chosen final resting place of Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday. Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome and the largest Catholic Marian church in Rome.
Mr Richard spoke to RTÉ News in Rome, saying: “I have come here to the Vatican to look at the process we have to select the new pope and I’m quite excited to get the blessings of the new pope, so I’m here for that.”
The process to elect a new Pope, known as a conclave, began in the Sistine Chapel yesterday.
Some 252 cardinals across the world form the College of Cardinals, who are responsible for all Vatican affairs in the period between popes. Vatican News – the news website connected to the Church in Rome – said 133 cardinals would take part in this conclave.
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A conclave typically takes place between 15 and 20 days after the death of a pope.
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