In a lively display of support, Brazilian seminarists have captured the hearts of social media users with their enthusiastic cheer for Dom João Orani Tempesta, the Archbishop of Rio de Janeiro, as he participates in the conclave to elect the next pope of the Catholic Church. The seminarists from Seminário São José shared a video that quickly went viral, showcasing their playful approach to a solemn event, turning the atmosphere of the Vatican’s conclave into something reminiscent of a World Cup celebration.
With Brazilian flags adorning the room, the seminarists animatedly shouted slogans like "Dom Orani vai ser papa!" and "O papa é nosso!" as they cheered on their candidate. The video, which they captioned, "Estamos na torcida, Eminência @domorani! 🇧🇷", showed their excitement as they watched Dom Orani take his oath of secrecy on television before the conclave began.
Patrick Martins, one of the seminarists, explained that the video was initially intended for close friends but was later posted on Instagram, leading to an overwhelming response. "I combined what I had posted in my stories, edited it, and shared it, not expecting such a huge reaction," he said. The video quickly amassed over 100,000 views within hours, attracting comments not just from Catholics but also from people outside the faith, all charmed by the seminarists' spirited support.
Comments flooded in, with one user expressing excitement despite not having a personal connection to Dom Orani: "I wasn't baptized by him, nor do I know him personally, but just thinking about the possibility makes me emotional! 😂😂😂" Another remarked humorously, "Imagine Dom Orani's reaction when he sees this video after the conclave!"
As the conclave continues, the atmosphere remains intense. Currently, there are 133 cardinals, including seven from Brazil, gathered to elect the new pope. Besides Dom Orani, the other Brazilian cardinals participating are Cardeal Odilo Pedro Scherer, the Archbishop of São Paulo; Cardeal João Braz de Aviz; Cardeal Sérgio da Rocha, the Archbishop of Salvador; Cardeal Leonardo Ulrich Steiner, the Archbishop of Manaus; Cardeal Paulo Cezar Costa, the Archbishop of Brasília; and Cardeal Jaime Spengler, the Archbishop of Porto Alegre.
The conclave is a deeply significant event for the Catholic Church, marked by prayer and discernment. However, the Brazilian seminarists have shown that it can also be approached with a sense of joy and humor. The video’s lighthearted tone resonated with many, emphasizing a different side of religious life that is often overlooked. "I always say that Jesus has a sense of humor, and I try to spread the virtue of eutrapelia," Patrick added, reflecting on the purpose behind their cheerful video.
The conclave has been ongoing, with three votes already conducted, none resulting in the election of a new Supreme Pontiff. To be elected, a candidate needs to secure 89 votes, which is two-thirds of the total. If consensus is reached among the cardinals, white smoke will billow from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling the election of a new pope. If no agreement is reached, black smoke will emerge, indicating that the search for a new leader continues.
As the cardinals deliberate, the Brazilian seminarists remain hopeful and engaged, their spirited support for Dom Orani providing a refreshing contrast to the typically somber atmosphere of a conclave. Their joyful antics serve as a reminder that faith can be celebrated in many ways, and that even in the most serious moments, laughter and camaraderie can shine through.
With the next vote scheduled for the afternoon of May 8, 2025, the anticipation builds not just for the outcome of the conclave but also for the potential of a Brazilian pope. As one commenter humorously noted, "If Dom Orani wins, 2026 is hexa!"—a nod to Brazil's soccer legacy and the hope that their beloved cardinal could soon take on the role of the leader of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics.
As the world watches, the seminarists continue to cheer, embodying the spirit of their nation and the joy of faith, while the conclave remains a pivotal moment in the history of the Catholic Church.
