Harry Styles was spotted at Pope Leo XIV’s conclave election amongst spectators in Saint Peter’s Square in the Vatican, and fans are loving that he stepped out for the occasion. The singer was seen sporting a blue jacket, sunglasses, and a grey baseball cap with “Techno is My Boyfriend” written on it. The photo of Harry making his way through the crowds in the Vatican is going viral online, and one person wrote: “One thing about Harry Styles, he’s always going to accidentally serve cinema somewhere in Europe.”
Another penned: “Harry Styles is so random, one day he’s at the Grammys winning Album of the Year, then he’s running a marathon in Japan, but he could also be in Rome waiting for the announcement of the new pope. I love being his fan.” While another added, “I do love Harry Styles’ carefree attitude. One of the most famous men on the planet and just does the things he wants to do. Like going and watching the pope.”
Yesterday evening, on May 8, 2025, a new pope was elected following the death of Pope Francis. The new pontiff shall be known as Pope Leo XIV. This came after white smoke billowed above the Sistine Chapel, the signal that cardinals had selected a new pontiff on the second day of the conclave, which began on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
Cardinal Robert Prevost, a 69-year-old from the Augustinian religious order, emerged onto the balcony, smiling, to greet the tens of thousands of cheering, jubilant Catholics in St. Peter’s Square. Prevost, who has spent much of his career as a missionary in South America, was elected as the first American pope in the history of the Catholic Church. He announced his new papal name: Pope Leo XIV.
Prevost had been considered a moderate candidate with solid practical skills in dealing with Vatican politics, sharing similar priorities to Pope Francis on matters concerning immigrants and the poor. However, he holds somewhat more traditional attitudes on issues related to women and LGBTQ+ rights. His election seems to indicate continuity rather than a significant ideological shift within the church.
In his opening address, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the need for a church that “builds bridges” and will “receive everyone.” This clear signal suggests he intends to maintain the approach that Francis brought to the papacy. The conclave had taken just two days, with four rounds of votes from the 133 cardinal electors, and was characterized by a desire for unity among the cardinals.
As the conclave reconvened in Italy on Thursday, May 8, 2025, the cardinals celebrated the election of Pope Leo XIV. The selection process is traditionally secretive, with faithful relying on smoke signals emerging from the Sistine Chapel to indicate whether someone has been chosen. White smoke signifies that a new pope has been selected, while black smoke indicates no decision has been reached.
Cardinal Prevost, who is also known for his dual citizenship with Peru, had developed support from Latin American cardinals in the conclave, as the region often adopts a more pastoral approach to church matters. This election marks a significant moment, as many Vatican watchers had previously dismissed the possibility of selecting an American pope, fearing it might make the rest of the church anxious.
On social media, some compared Prevost to the Stanley Tucci character Cardinal Bellini from the popular 2024 movie Conclave, although this comparison is somewhat misleading. While Bellini is portrayed as brash, Prevost has been described as cautious and pragmatic, suggesting a different leadership style than that of his predecessor.
Following his election, Pope Leo XIV donned the traditional red cape of the papacy, a garment that Pope Francis notably eschewed during his own election in 2013. As Catholics waited for the new pope to emerge, Prevost prayed and dressed in the new garments in an antechamber known as the “Room of Tears,” a name that reflects the emotional weight of his new responsibilities.
Many gathered in St. Peter’s Square to witness this historic moment, with some Americans chanting “USA! USA!” in celebration of the first U.S.-born pope. The conclave had begun just over two weeks after the death of Pope Francis, with the cardinals sequestered inside the Vatican compound to ensure the secrecy of their deliberations.
Amidst the excitement surrounding the election of Pope Leo XIV, another notable figure was spotted at the Vatican: Father Robert Sirico, the older brother of the late Tony Sirico, best known for his portrayal of Paulie 'Walnuts' Gualtieri on The Sopranos. Father Sirico was present to offer insights into the conclave process, having co-founded the Acton Institute, a Christian think tank.
Father Sirico, who grew up in a devout Catholic family in Brooklyn, maintained a strong bond with his brother Tony throughout their lives, despite their vastly different careers. Tony Sirico passed away in 2022, and Father Robert shared a heartfelt message honoring his brother’s memory, reflecting on their shared experiences and the significance of faith in their lives.
The conclave process is shrouded in mystery, with the exact dynamics and negotiations among the cardinals remaining unknown. Some may have struck deals or offered reassurances to competing factions, while others weighed personalities, charisma, and particular experiences in their decision-making.
The election of Pope Leo XIV signifies a new chapter for the Catholic Church, as it grapples with contemporary issues while striving to remain rooted in tradition. As the world watches, many are left wondering what kind of pope he will ultimately be and how his leadership will shape the future of the church.
