Big eighth inning leads Cal Poly past Pepperdine

KEYT on May 7, 2025

Mike Klan

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – For the second time in its last four games, the Cal Poly baseball team waited until its final turn at bat to grab the lead. Coach Larry Lee’s Mustangs scored seven times in the eighth inning to snap a 5-5 tie Tuesday night and went on to defeat Pepperdine 12-5 in a non-conference game at Baggett Stadium.

Cal Poly sent 12 batters to the plate in the eighth and they parlayed three hits, four walks, a hit batsman and a sacrifice bunt into a seven-run uprising. Highlighting the rally were two-run singles by Casey Murray and Dylan Kordic and a run-scoring double by Nate Castellon. A bases-loaded walk and hit batsman accounted for the other two runs.

With its fourth straight victory, Cal Poly improved to 32-15, defeating Pepperdine (11-37) in both midweek games this season for the second straight year and lifting Lee’s record against his alma mater to 20-19. The Mustangs earned a 10-2 triumph on March 25 in Malibu.

Five Mustangs produced multiple-hit games as Cal Poly collected 14 hits, reaching double digits for the 28th time in its last 40 contests. The Mustangs have won 31 of their last 41 games after a 1-5 start.

Shortstop Nate Castellon, the reigning Big West Field Player of the Week after going 9-for-14 in the Cal State Bakersfield series, led the way Tuesday with his seventh three-hit game — two doubles and a single — and sixth multiple-hit contest in his last eight starts. He is 18-for-33 (.545) in his last eight games and currently sports a .365 average for the year.

First baseman Zach Daudet, second baseman Jake Downing, third baseman Alejandro Garza and center fielder Casey Murray Jr. all added two hits each.

Garza is 68-for-171 (.398) in his last 40 games and has a team-leading 27 multiple-hit games this year while Murray Jr. has hit safely in 38 of Cal Poly’s 47 games. Daudet, whose average had slipped 54 points since his return from a blood infection April 18, is back up to .361 for the season.

Downing replaced Ryan Fenn at second base in the fourth inning. Fenn was taken out of the lineup for precautionary reasons and Downing responded in his usual fashion with two doubles and three RBIs.

As a replacement twice for Fenn covering six games in March and one more Tuesday night plus substituting for Daudet for nine games in April, Downing has hit .364 with two doubles, a pair of triples, one home run and nine RBIs in those 16 games.

Senior southpaw Jake Torres (3-4), the last of six Cal Poly pitchers used in the game, secured the final five outs for his third victory of the season. The loss was charged to John Callis (0-1) as he gave up Cal Poly’s sixth run of the game, the first in the eighth frame which snapped the 5-5 tie.

Pepperdine, which used 23 pitchers in last week’s sweep by Northwestern State, called out nine pitchers to the mound Tuesday night. Starter Nate Tichy left the game after three frames, his team ahead 4-1, but the eight relievers couldn’t hold the lead.

Trailing 5-2, Cal Poly tallied three runs in the sixth inning on a wild pitch and a two-run double to left-center field by Downing. Neither team scored again until Cal Poly’s seven-run uprising in the eighth.

Pepperdine wasted two major scoring chances to extend their leads. The Waves left the bases loaded in the fifth after Chris Downs came out of the Mustang bullpen and struck out a pair of batters to end the threat while Joe Cardinale missed a suicide squeeze bunt with two outs in the eighth, then lined out to Downing at second base to retire the side.

Pepperdine’s 12 hits included three singles by Nick Upstill, a pair of two-run singles by Julian Nunez in the first and third frames and two singles by Cardinale.

Cal Poly finished its slate of midweek games with a 9-1 record, but its RPI slipped two notches to No. 39 despite its 17th come-from-behind victory of the season.

The Mustangs return to Big West play at Cal State Northridge this weekend. Game times have been changed to 5:30 p.m. Friday, 4:30 p.m. Saturday and 1 o’clock on Sunday.(Article courtesy of Cal Poly Athletics).

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Update: Bend man shot in SW Bend apartments, suspect in custody while investigation continues

KTVZ on May 7, 2025

Barney Lerten

(Update: adding video and interview with apartment resident)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Multiple agencies are conducting an investigation at the Stillwater Crossing Apartments in Bend, after a 20-year-old Bend man was shot and seriously wounded late Tuesday night, leaving a suspect behind bars.

Our team on the scene saw several Oregon State Forensics vans and even a trail of blood.

Bend Police responded to a report of a shooting at Stillwater Crossing Apartments on SW Atwood Drive, Just after 9 P.M. on Tuesday May 6th.

Upon arrival officers learned the victim had been driven from the area after the shooting. They located the victim in a car at Powers Road and the Bend Parkway, where they rendered aid before medics drove the victim to St. Charles Bend with serious injuries.  

Patrol officers, detectives and members of the Central Oregon Emergency Response Team responded to the apartment complex to investigate the incident.

Officers learned that the suspected shooter, a 21-year-old man, checked into Motel 6 in the 200 block of NE Third Street shortly after the shooting. CERT operators responded to the motel before 1:00 AM, and took the man into custody without incident or injury.  

Bend Police communications manager Sheila Miller told KTVZ News that “the suspect lives at the apartments, but its not yet clear if the victim lives there.

The suspect was driven to the Bend Police Department and will be moved to the Deschutes County Jail on suspicion of first-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, reckless endangering and felon in possession of a firearm.  

Police presence in the 60000 block of Atwood Drive is expected to remain at the apartment complex as the investigation continues.

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Milestone win for Checketts as UCSB edges #25 USC

KEYT on May 7, 2025

Mike Klan

UC SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The UC Santa Barbara Baseball team (31-16) took an early lead and made it stick against No. 25 USC (32-16) on Tuesday night, completing a season sweep of the visiting Trojans with a 3-2 victory. With the win, UC Santa Barbara Head Coach Andrew Checketts set a new program record with his 486th victory leading the Gauchos, surpassing his predecessor, Bob Brontsema. Reed Moring was the winning pitcher for Santa Barbara, throwing five innings of one-run ball on the night. At the plate, Rowan Kelly, Corey Nunez and LeTrey McCollum each tallied RBIs to provide the runs, then Cole Tryba locked down his fourth save of the season to wrap up the result.

FROM HEAD COACH ANDREW CHECKETTS”I’ve been fortunate to follow in the footsteps of some really good coaches and people and have had a lot of great players and assistants contribute to those wins,” Checketts said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a Gaucho.”

“Reed — five innings, he’s been building up since coming back from an injury — that was the real highlight for me, was him getting a win and pitching and wanting the ball. It was 3-0 and he wanted to stay in that game and get the W. There’s a lot of sabermetrics out there, but I think the W’s the most important stat in baseball. I was excited for him to do that, I thought his stuff was good, he had a couple walks there early but settled in, was aggressive, and then Tryba getting the save there. He’s had a rough year, and that was big for him to be able to finish that game for us.”

HOW IT HAPPENEDThe battery of Moring and catcher Nate Vargas combined to put up a zero in the top of the first, getting the Gauchos off to a strong start. After a one-out, eight-pitch walk, Moring responded with an eight-pitch strikeout, then Vargas made a good block and a strong throw to second to cut down that baserunner trying to take an extra 90 feet on a ball in the dirt. Moring came back with two more strikeouts in the top of the second, again allowing just a walk, then his offense gave him some runs to work with.

Jack Holman led off the bottom of the second with a bloop single into center, then Jonathan Mendez punched a base hit through the left side of the Trojan infield to make it a rally. Cole Kosciukso’s sacrifice bunt gave Santa Barbara two runners in scoring position, and Holman was able to come home on Kelly’s RBI groundout to put the home side on the board. Nunez then roped a two-out double just inside the foul line in the right field corner to score Mendez, and McCollum made it 3-0 with an RBI single back up the middle.

Moring allowed his only hit of the night with two outs in the top of the third, then retired the side in order in the top of the fourth, making the first out by snagging a line drive that came screaming right over his shoelaces. Two flyouts to left center wrapped up the inning. He was perfect again in the top of the fifth, again fielding his position well to make the second out of that frame.

Donovann Jackson took the bump for the top of the sixth and had to work around some traffic, but he got a hand from his defense. With two on and one out, Jackson induced a grounder which took third baseman Xavier Esquer right to the bag, allowing him to make an out there and throw across the diamond in time to complete the double play and end the inning. Less razzle-dazzle action was required in the top of the seventh, though the Gauchos did get a scare on a fly ball that went all the way to the wall in left field but no further, with Kosciusko able to comfortably make the catch. Jackson then ended the inning and his outing with a strikeout.

It was in the eighth that things got shaky for Santa Barbara. The Trojans got two singles while making just one out, but the Gauchos nearly killed the rally on a slowly hit ball toward Nunez at short; he was able to glove it over to Mendez at second, but the turn to first was not in time for an inning-ending double play. The extra life turned into an RBI single, a walk and an RBI infield single for USC, cutting Santa Barbara’s lead to just one, at 3-2. Tryba had come on and surrendered that hard-luck infield single — a slowly hit ball that Mendez just could not get to despite charging hard — and bounced back to finish the inning with a pivotal strikeout, leaving the bases loaded.

The Gauchos left the bases loaded themselves in the bottom of the eighth, meaning Tryba would have to make the one-run lead stick in the ninth. He gave up a lead-off single on a perfect bunt down the first base line, but responded by striking out the next two men to come to the plate. A flyout to Kelly in center wrapped up the win.

BY THE NUMBERSTuesday night’s victory was the first over a ranked opponent for the Gauchos this season; Santa Barbara now has at least one ranked win in each of the last seven seasons.With his second-inning RBI single, McCollum extended his on-base streak to 43 games, two away from the program record set by Christian Kirtley in 2022.Tuesday was the Gauchos’ final mid-week game of the 2025 season. Santa Barbara finishes with a record of 9-2 in their 11 one-off games this year, sweeping season series against Pepperdine, USC and San Diego, winning two of three total games against California Baptist and splitting the season series with Saint Mary’s. Santa Barbara also defeated Loyola Marymount in a mid-week game earlier this year.

UP NEXTThe Gauchos will complete their season series against LMU this weekend with three games: one at Page Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, May 9, then two at Caesar Uyesaka Stadium in Santa Barbara on Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11. First pitch times are set for 6 p.m. on Friday, 3:05 p.m. on Saturday and 1:05 p.m. on Sunday. All three games will be live on ESPN+ with live stats and an audio broadcast available through ucsbgauchos.com.

(Article courtesy of UCSB Athletics)

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St. Bonaventure stunner as Goyeneche resigns as head football coach

KEYT on May 7, 2025

Mike Klan

VENTURA, Calif. – The dream job has come to a surprising and sudden end.

Joe Goyeneche resigned immediately as head football coach of the St. Bonaventure Seraphs.

He posted this message on X.

The 39-year old compiled a 41-15 record in his five years as head coach of the Seraphs including a CIF-Southern Section Division 3 title in 2023 and a CIF-State Bowl Game Division 1 appearance.

He guided the Seraphs to last year’s CIF-SS Division 4 championship game but lost to Pacifica.

As a kid Goyeneche was a ball boy for the Seraphs and he later played for St. Bonaventure before joining the coaching staff in 2008.

St. Bonaventure announced that defensive coordinator Nathan Page and legendary Seraphs coach Jon Mack will lead the program until a new head coach is hired by the Seraphs.

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Pueblo West vs. Lutheran

KRDO on May 7, 2025

Rob Namnoum

The Pueblo West boys lacrosse team went up against Lutheran in the Class 4A playoffs on Tuesday night. The Cyclones lost 11-6.

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How a new Pope is chosen: A step-by-step look at the Papal Conclave

KESQ on May 7, 2025

KESQ News Team

VATICAN CITY, Rome – As the Catholic Church prepares to elect its next spiritual leader, here’s a detailed look at the centuries-old ritual of the papal conclave, an event marked by history, secrecy, and sacred tradition.

WATCH: Vatican Media’s LIVE coverage of the 2025 Papal Conclave

The 2025 Papal Conclave

The Vatican officially announced the papal conclave to elect a new pope begins on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, following the death of Pope Francis. The election takes place in the Sistine Chapel, the Renaissance masterpiece nestled within Vatican City.

This solemn gathering of cardinals, who are some of the highest-ranking leaders in the Roman Catholic Church, represents one of the most sacred and confidential events in the religious world. While rooted in tradition, the conclave also serves as a critical moment of discernment, shaping the future direction of a faith followed by over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide.

What Is a Papal Conclave?

The word “conclave” comes from the Latin cum clave, meaning “with a key.” The term reflects the practice of locking the cardinal electors inside a secluded space, now the Sistine Chapel, until they reach agreement on who will become the next pope. The Church has used the conclave process for over 700 years, with modern rules codified by recent popes, most recently Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI.

The conclave is not only about casting votes; it is a spiritual event, grounded in prayer and carried out with elaborate ceremony. Once the conclave begins, all participants are sworn to absolute secrecy, forbidden from communicating with the outside world in any form.

Who Participates in the Conclave?

According to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, only cardinals under the age of 80 at the time the papacy becomes vacant are eligible to vote.

These electors, typically around 120, travel to Rome from across the globe. They are a diverse group, representing the universal nature of the Church. Although any baptized male Catholic is eligible for election, in practice, the new pope is almost always chosen from among the cardinals.

The Pre-Conclave Meetings

Before the conclave officially begins, cardinals attend a series of general congregations, formal meetings where they reflect on the state of the Church, hear reports, and discuss what kind of leader is needed.

These discussions are private, but they often help shape consensus around potential candidates, known informally as papabili, those considered likely to become pope.

During this period, logistical preparations are finalized, and the Sistine Chapel is inspected and secured. Specialized staff ensures that electronic jamming and counter-surveillance measures are in place to preserve the integrity of the conclave.

Oath of Secrecy

Once the conclave officially begins, the cardinals process into the Sistine Chapel, chanting hymns as they pass under Michelangelo’s famous fresco of the Last Judgment. Upon entering, each elector takes an oath of secrecy, pledging not to disclose anything that occurs within the conclave under pain of automatic excommunication.

After the doors close, they are locked from the outside, and the chapel becomes the cardinals’ exclusive space for discernment and voting.

CNN

The Voting Process

Each day of the conclave includes two voting sessions in the morning and two in the afternoon, with time for prayer and informal discussions between.

Here’s how a vote works:

Each cardinal writes his choice on a paper ballot marked with the Latin phrase “Eligo in Summum Pontificem” (“I elect as Supreme Pontiff”).

Ballots are folded and placed into a chalice, then deposited into a receptacle atop the altar.

Three cardinals designated as “scrutineers” count the votes aloud.

If no one receives a two-thirds majority, the process repeats.

Ballots from each session are burned in a special stove inside the chapel.

To let the world know what’s happening, smoke rises from the chapel’s chimney:

Black smoke (fumata nera) means no decision has been reached.

White smoke (fumata bianca) signals that a new pope has been elected.

Election and Acceptance

When a candidate receives the required number of votes, the dean of the College of Cardinals formally asks: “Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?” If the chosen cardinal accepts, he is then asked what papal name he wishes to take.

The new pope is led to the nearby Room of Tears, where he dresses in white papal vestments prepared in various sizes. The room gets its name from the emotion often experienced at that moment – grief, awe, or humility, as the weight of responsibility settles in.

CNN

Public Announcement: “Habemus Papam”

Once dressed, the new pope is introduced to the world from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.

A senior cardinal steps forward and proclaims: “Habemus Papam!” (“We have a pope!”), followed by the pope’s birth name and chosen papal name.

Moments later, the new pope offers his first Urbi et Orbi blessing – “to the city and to the world” – a tradition that stretches back centuries.

Why the Conclave Still Matters

In an age of technology and transparency, the conclave remains a powerful symbol of mystery, unity, and sacred duty. It is deliberately designed to prevent political lobbying, media pressure, or factionalism. It reminds the world and the faithful, that leadership in the Church is not merely elected; it is discerned through prayer and tradition.

With over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide, the choice of pope has spiritual, cultural, and even geopolitical consequences. The 2025 conclave brings together cardinals from more than 70 countries, many of whom were appointed by Pope Francis himself, possibly shaping a continuation of his pastoral, globally minded legacy.

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City of Santa Maria approves labor agreement with firefighters

KEYT on May 7, 2025

Caleb Nguyen

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – The City of Santa Maria announced a two-and-a-half-year labor agreement between them and the Fire Fighters’ Union Local 2020 Tuesday.

Santa Maria City Manager David Rowlands announced the new agreement after the group’s prior contract expired at the end of 2023.

Rowlands shared his perspective on the new agreement:

“The City Council and I value our sworn Fire employees, whose contributions are critical to public safety. We are pleased to have successfully negotiated this wage and benefit agreement. We look forward to continuing to make Santa Maria a great place to live and work.”

David Rowlands, Santa Maria City Manager

Matt Chricop, Santa Maria Fire Department Captain and Local 2020 president also had word on the new deal between the two groups:

“The membership’s unwavering commitment to the community, has and will always be our priority. We are encouraged by the wage and benefit package and the positive impact it will have on retention, recruitment, and our ability to provide life-saving fire and emergency medical services to the community.”

Matt Chricop, Santa Maria Fire Department Captain and Local 2020 president

Local 2020 members were paid from terms of the prior contract and negotiations focused on the economic climate, retention efforts, and strategies to attract and retain quality employees, according to the City of Santa Maria.

The new agreement starts at the end of this May and ends on June 25, 2027 and includes a 14% base salary raise, equity adjustments, a $2,000 increase for members working for the City on the date of Council approval, increased health insurance, a holiday for Cesar Chavez Day on March 31, standby pay for the Fire Investigation On Call Program and increased availability of hours by Local 2020 for Association Business, according to the City of Santa Maria.

Both parties agreed to begin negotiations 150 days prior to the expiration date and the fiscal impact of the agreement is anticipated to be $2.5 million, according to the City of Santa Maria.

Those with questions are encouraged to contact the City Manager’s Office.

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Former CPS superintendent is a finalist for same role in Kentucky

KMIZ on May 7, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Former Columbia Public Schools Superintendent Brian Yearwood is again a finalist to assume the same role at another school district.

The Jefferson County School District in Kentucky shared in a press release on its website on Tuesday that Yearwood is one of its two finalists to lead its district. Yearwood is referred to as Dr. H. Brian Yearwood in the release and the school’s social media.

Yearwood stepped down from his position as CPS superintendent in November and was paid $667,268.90 in a contract buyout. Yearwood was hired by CPS in 2021. He was under contract through June 2027, making about $260,000 per year. Chris Belcher was named the district’s interim superintendent before Jeff Klein was hired.

CPS announced in November that Yearwood would step down immediately “to spend time with family in Texas,” previous reporting indicates. Yearwood announced in August that he had been diagnosed with cancer. That diagnosis was not mentioned in his resignation letter.

Yearwood’s separation agreement with CPS states that he agreed to the mutual public statement between the two parties and cannot make any further public statements.

Yearwood was recently a finalist for a superintendent position in Garden City, Kansas, and at the Christina School District in Newark, Delaware last month.

The Jefferson County press release says the finalists will partake in a pair of public question-and-answer sessions that will be livestreamed on the district’s YouTube page from 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, May 20. A second session will occur later in the evening.

“Both individuals have a wealth of experiences and credentials that have prepared them for a leadership opportunity such as the superintendency of JCPS presents,” Corrie Shull, chair of the JCBE, is quoted in the release. “Both individuals are capable of elevating student learning in our district, ensuring students continue to excel and our district will continue to flourish.”   

At a community forum held by Garden City school district in January, Yearwood was asked what his most-vocal critic would say about him as a school leader.

“They would say he doesn’t have much patience for red tape that slows down the process of getting things done to benefit scholars. I’ve had to sort of temper because there, there, there are rules you must follow,” he said in the video. “And again, I’m not talking about circumventing rules or doing anything. That’s not it. But sometimes, when we know something is great for a scholar or scholars or school, sometimes the process gets bogged down.”

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Rocheport election has 50.6% voter turnout; incumbents retain seats

KMIZ on May 7, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The incumbent runners in Rocheport’s municipal election on Tuesday retained their seats.

Mayor John Zondca ran unopposed and collected 81 votes. Ward 2 Alderwoman Lois Connor won her election against Roman Clarkson 20 votes to 9.

In the Ward 1 race, Alderman Conrad Yates totaled 28 votes to Sara Lemberger’s 26.

Boone County’s results on Tuesday night showed the race had a 50.6% voter turnout with 84 votes cast.

May 6 voter turnoutDownload

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How a new Pope is chosen: A step-by-step look at the Papal Conclave

KTVZ on May 7, 2025

Gregory Deffenbaugh

As the Catholic Church prepares to elect its next spiritual leader, here’s a detailed look at the centuries-old ritual of the papal conclave, an event marked by history, secrecy, and sacred tradition.

WATCH: Vatican Media’s LIVE coverage of the 2025 Papal Conclave

The 2025 Papal Conclave

The Vatican officially announced the papal conclave to elect a new pope begins on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, following the death of Pope Francis. The election takes place in the Sistine Chapel, the Renaissance masterpiece nestled within Vatican City.

This solemn gathering of cardinals, who are some of the highest-ranking leaders in the Roman Catholic Church, represents one of the most sacred and confidential events in the religious world. While rooted in tradition, the conclave also serves as a critical moment of discernment, shaping the future direction of a faith followed by over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide.

What Is a Papal Conclave?

The word “conclave” comes from the Latin cum clave, meaning “with a key.” The term reflects the practice of locking the cardinal electors inside a secluded space, now the Sistine Chapel, until they reach agreement on who will become the next pope. The Church has used the conclave process for over 700 years, with modern rules codified by recent popes, most recently Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI.

The conclave is not only about casting votes; it is a spiritual event, grounded in prayer and carried out with elaborate ceremony. Once the conclave begins, all participants are sworn to absolute secrecy, forbidden from communicating with the outside world in any form.

Who Participates in the Conclave?

According to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, only cardinals under the age of 80 at the time the papacy becomes vacant are eligible to vote.

These electors, typically around 120, travel to Rome from across the globe. They are a diverse group, representing the universal nature of the Church. Although any baptized male Catholic is eligible for election, in practice, the new pope is almost always chosen from among the cardinals.

The Pre-Conclave Meetings

Before the conclave officially begins, cardinals attend a series of general congregations, formal meetings where they reflect on the state of the Church, hear reports, and discuss what kind of leader is needed.

These discussions are private, but they often help shape consensus around potential candidates, known informally as papabili, those considered likely to become pope.

During this period, logistical preparations are finalized, and the Sistine Chapel is inspected and secured. Specialized staff ensures that electronic jamming and counter-surveillance measures are in place to preserve the integrity of the conclave.

Oath of Secrecy

Once the conclave officially begins, the cardinals process into the Sistine Chapel, chanting hymns as they pass under Michelangelo’s famous fresco of the Last Judgment. Upon entering, each elector takes an oath of secrecy, pledging not to disclose anything that occurs within the conclave under pain of automatic excommunication.

After the doors close, they are locked from the outside, and the chapel becomes the cardinals’ exclusive space for discernment and voting.

The Voting Process

Each day of the conclave includes two voting sessions in the morning and two in the afternoon, with time for prayer and informal discussions between.

Here’s how a vote works:

Each cardinal writes his choice on a paper ballot marked with the Latin phrase “Eligo in Summum Pontificem” (“I elect as Supreme Pontiff”).

Ballots are folded and placed into a chalice, then deposited into a receptacle atop the altar.

Three cardinals designated as “scrutineers” count the votes aloud.

If no one receives a two-thirds majority, the process repeats.

Ballots from each session are burned in a special stove inside the chapel.

To let the world know what’s happening, smoke rises from the chapel’s chimney:

Black smoke (fumata nera) means no decision has been reached.

White smoke (fumata bianca) signals that a new pope has been elected.

Election and Acceptance

When a candidate receives the required number of votes, the dean of the College of Cardinals formally asks: “Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?” If the chosen cardinal accepts, he is then asked what papal name he wishes to take.

The new pope is led to the nearby Room of Tears, where he dresses in white papal vestments prepared in various sizes. The room gets its name from the emotion often experienced at that moment – grief, awe, or humility, as the weight of responsibility settles in.

Public Announcement: “Habemus Papam”

Once dressed, the new pope is introduced to the world from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.

A senior cardinal steps forward and proclaims: “Habemus Papam!” (“We have a pope!”), followed by the pope’s birth name and chosen papal name.

Moments later, the new pope offers his first Urbi et Orbi blessing – “to the city and to the world” – a tradition that stretches back centuries.

Why the Conclave Still Matters

In an age of technology and transparency, the conclave remains a powerful symbol of mystery, unity, and sacred duty. It is deliberately designed to prevent political lobbying, media pressure, or factionalism. It reminds the world and the faithful, that leadership in the Church is not merely elected; it is discerned through prayer and tradition.

With over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide, the choice of pope has spiritual, cultural, and even geopolitical consequences. The 2025 conclave brings together cardinals from more than 70 countries, many of whom were appointed by Pope Francis himself, possibly shaping a continuation of his pastoral, globally minded legacy.

Click here to follow the original article.