The new pope first appeared on the balcony of St. Peter, with symbols – Francis decides to curb the grand record

When the Cardinal College gathers at Sistine Chapel to vote for the new pope, the crowds outside will pay attention to the most dramatic moment of the meeting, when a bunch of white smoke appears above the chimney.

This smoke is caused by burning votes – indicating that the new pope has been elected and he has accepted it.

A while later a cardinal appeared on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica and declared in Latin: “Habemus Papam!” – “We have a pope!” Then he announced which cardinal he chose, and the name the new pope chose for himself.

Finally, the new pope appears on the balcony and greets the crowds in St. Peter's Square, a symbolic tradition.

I am a scholar who studies Roman Catholic theology and history. I am particularly interested in the way the Pope exercises authority and leadership, including the use of symbols. When Pope Francis first appeared on that balcony in 2013, he used and adapted the ritual to convey information about his intentions for the pope.

He did it in four ways.

What is the name?

First, he chose Francis' name. Since the 6th century AD, the new bishop of Rome has often been named after a new name when he played the pope.

Over time, certain names indicate to the observer the direction the pope wants to take or the model he wants to imitate. Jorge Mario Bergoglio chose “Francis”, the first time any pope named it after this.

It refers to Francis of Assisi, an Italian saint who lived in the early 13th century and was known for his simplicity, poverty, care for the earth and the desire to imitate Jesus. These characteristics proved to be the core of his pope over the next 12 years.

Not the king

Second, Francis wore a simple white papal outfit, rather than the more refined ornaments worn by some of his predecessors. He walked through the old, simple cross, not a new, more luxurious cross.

The Pope has worn white clothes, a symbol of their centuries. But many of them also use symbols of monarchy, such as the headdress or crown of the triple pope. Pope Paul VI was the pope of 1963-1978 and was the last person to wear a headdress and coronation. The following year, he sold the crown and donated proceeds to emphasize the church’s commitment to the poor.

Later, the pope followed Paul's example of avoiding royal symbolism, such as the use of “Sedia Gestatoria”, a portable throne that traditionally carried the pope in formal parades. Francis further adopted this trend, making the simplicity of his dress and lifestyle a hallmark of his time in office.

Bishop of Rome

Third, when Francis first spoke to the crowd at St. Peter's Basilica, he described himself as the new bishop of Rome.

In Catholicism, the Pope holds many titles representing the scope and duties of his office. First, he was not only the spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church, but also the “Soge of the Vatican State”.

In terms of religious titles, some have emphasized the authority of the pope. For example, “Christ’s Pastor” means that He is the representative of Jesus on earth. Others, such as “Servant servants” (“Servant of God’s servants”) emphasize his support as a support for other bishops and ministers of the Church.

Francis certainly did not deny the traditional authority of the Pope's office. However, he chose to identify himself first as the local bishop of the Roman diocese, emphasizing how the pope was the first part of the local community. In the official Vatican yearbook in 2020, Francis listed his only title as “Biography of Rome” and the rest of the names as “historic”.

Pray for me'

Fourth, Francis asked the gathering crowd to pray for him, and then he offered the first Pope blessing.

Traditionally, the Pope's first appearance will bring blessings to those who gather in St. Peter's Square. Francis accepted the ceremony and reversed it. In his view of simplicity and his role as a bishop of Rome, he emphasized his interconnectedness with the people. He underscores the view of the Pope as a hierarchical ruler above the people.

Soon, the new pope will be introduced to the world sometimes. He may use these names, dresses, titles and symbols of blessings in his own way, and point out his intentions for the Pope and the Catholic Church.