White Smoke - Pope Leo’s Cancer Diagnosis

It was just after six p.m. Vatican time when white smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel and the bells of Saint Peter’s Basilica began to ring. Thousands gathered in the square below, erupting in cheers. Nuns wept. Tourists cheered. And somewhere inside the Apostolic Palace, the new pope was changing into his white cassock. Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago had just been elected as the two hundred sixty-seventh pope of the Roman Catholic Church. And with that, he became the first American ever to lead the Church, taking the name Leo the Fourteenth.

The announcement came swiftly. The conclave had only begun the previous day. This was fast, even by Vatican standards—a sign that the cardinals were not deeply divided. Leo the Fourteenth was elected in fewer than five ballots. When Cardinal Dominique Mamberti stepped onto the balcony of Saint Peter’s and announced his name in Latin, many in the crowd were visibly confused. Some said aloud, "Who?" Few had expected the quiet Augustinian from Chicago to emerge as the successor to Pope Francis.
When Pope Leo the Fourteenth finally appeared on the balcony, he did not wave immediately. He stood still, visibly moved, looking out over the crowd waving banners, including several American flags. His voice, when he finally spoke, was calm, warm, and direct.

"Peace be with you all," he said. It was a deliberate echo of the Risen Christ’s greeting to his disciples. What followed was a short speech in Italian and Spanish that emphasized unity and humility.

He thanked Pope Francis, spoke of building bridges, and nodded to his own formation: “I am a son of Saint Augustine. With you I am a Christian; for you I am a bishop.” He concluded with a direct message to his former diocese in Chiclayo, Peru—expressing gratitude for the years he spent serving its people.
And just like that, the papacy of Leo the Fourteenth had begun.

Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app which seays UNINTERRUPTED LISTENING. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus. No plug-ins needed!  You also get 20+ other shows on the network ad-free! 

Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus. No plug-ins needed!

Subscribe now for exclusive shows like 'Palace Intrigue,' and get bonus content from Deep Crown (our exclusive Palace Insider!) Or get 'Daily Comedy News,' and '5 Good News Stories’ with no commercials! Plans start at $4.99 per month, or save 20% with a yearly plan at $49.99. Join today and help support the show!

We now have Merch!  FREE SHIPPING! Check out all the products like T-shirts, mugs, bags, jackets and more with logos and slogans from your favorite shows! Did we mention there’s free shipping? Get 10% off with code NewMerch10 Go to Caloroga.com

Get more info from Caloroga Shark Media and if you have any comments, suggestions, or just want to get in touch our email is [email protected]

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo the 14th, has made history as the first American to lead the Catholic Church in its 2,000-year existence. Born in Chicago, Illinois on September 14, 1955, the 69-year-old pontiff brings a unique background as both an American and Peruvian citizen, creating a bridge between North and South American Catholic traditions at a crucial time for the global church.

Growing up in Chicago, young Robert experienced a vibrant Catholic upbringing. His family home frequently welcomed priests, and he developed a positive connection to parish life from an early age, serving as an altar boy and attending the parish school. These formative experiences would later blossom into a lifelong commitment to the Church.

Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus. No plug-ins needed!

Subscribe now for exclusive shows like 'Palace Intrigue,' and get bonus content from Deep Crown (our exclusive Palace Insider!) Or get 'Daily Comedy News,' and '5 Good News Stories’ with no commercials! Plans start at $4.99 per month, or save 20% with a yearly plan at $49.99. Join today and help support the show!

We now have Merch!  FREE SHIPPING! Check out all the products like T-shirts, mugs, bags, jackets and more with logos and slogans from your favorite shows! Did we mention there’s free shipping? Get 10% off with code NewMerch10 Go to Caloroga.com

Get more info from Caloroga Shark Media and if you have any comments, suggestions, or just want to get in touch our email is [email protected]

Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus. No plug-ins needed!

Subscribe now for exclusive shows like 'Palace Intrigue,' and get bonus content from Deep Crown (our exclusive Palace Insider!) Or get 'Daily Comedy News,' and '5 Good News Stories’ with no commercials! Plans start at $4.99 per month, or save 20% with a yearly plan at $49.99. Join today and help support the show!

We now have Merch!  FREE SHIPPING! Check out all the products like T-shirts, mugs, bags, jackets and more with logos and slogans from your favorite shows! Did we mention there’s free shipping? Get 10% off with code NewMerch10 Go to Caloroga.com

Get more info from Caloroga Shark Media and if you have any comments, suggestions, or just want to get in touch our email is [email protected]

White smoke from the Sistine Chapel's chimney has billowed into the sky, prompting waves of cheers in Saint Peter's Square and signaling to the world that the 267th pope has been determined.

Pope Leo XIV, from Chicago, is the first American Pope.

White smoke poured from the chimney as bells pealed from the towering basilica, confirming that the 133 cardinal electors who had been sequestered inside since Wednesday had reached a two-thirds majority decision on who will succeed Pope Francis, who died in April.

Rapturous applause, yelling and plenty of tears filled Saint Peter's Square at the sign of white smoke. "I'm so happy, it's so incredible to be here at this moment," said Roseleia Cordeiro, 42, from Brazil, weeping while embracing a group of friends.
The atmosphere in the square transformed from solemn anticipation to a party of thousands. More flags appeared: South Korean, Indian, Lebanese, Polish and Romanian. People posed for selfies — their "I was there" moment — while a clergyman draped in the Brazilian flag was hoisted onto someone's shoulders, making peace signs with outstretched arms.
Inside the Vatican's cloistered halls, the new pope was being prepared to adopt his papal name—which can indicate what type of pontiff he intends to be. The tradition of selecting a name dates to 533, with popes often honoring a saint or past pope they admire.

Meanwhile, the crowd's attention turned from the chimney to the loggia, the balcony where the new pope's name would be announced. The roof terraces of the Apostolic Palace filled with Vatican staff who came out to witness this historic moment.
According to Vatican procedure, the new pope was asked: "Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?" After accepting, he chose his papal name, documents were notarized, and he assumed complete control over the universal Church. He was then ushered to the Room of Tears, near the Sistine Chapel, where he donned the white papal cassock for the first time.
Soon, Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, the senior cardinal deacon, would appear on the balcony overlooking the square to announce, "Habemus Papam" — "We have a pope."

The conclave reached its decision after being in session for a little more than 24 hours, continuing the recent trend of papal elections lasting two to three days. The new pontiff will confront difficult decisions about the church's future direction: whether to continue Francis' agenda of greater inclusion and openness to change, or forge a different path.

As the sun set behind Saint Peter's Basilica and an evening chill descended, the atmosphere in the square resembled the moments before a pop star concert. A band played while everyone watched themselves on giant television screens, cameras ready for the moment the new pope would emerge to give the Apostolic Blessing Urbi et Orbi from the Loggia of Saint Peter's Basilica.

After this historic announcement, the new pontiff will hold a ceremonial mass roughly one week later.

We will have more bonus episodes as events develop.





Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus. No plug-ins needed!

Subscribe now for exclusive shows like 'Palace Intrigue,' and get bonus content from Deep Crown (our exclusive Palace Insider!) Or get 'Daily Comedy News,' and '5 Good News Stories’ with no commercials! Plans start at $4.99 per month, or save 20% with a yearly plan at $49.99. Join today and help support the show!

We now have Merch!  FREE SHIPPING! Check out all the products like T-shirts, mugs, bags, jackets and more with logos and slogans from your favorite shows! Did we mention there’s free shipping? Get 10% off with code NewMerch10 Go to Caloroga.com

Get more info from Caloroga Shark Media and if you have any comments, suggestions, or just want to get in touch our email is [email protected]

The Cardinals gather for a second day of voting in the Sistine Chapel, with five inconclusive ballots so far. Learn about the historical timeline of papal elections, tensions within the Church, the popular Fantapapa prediction game, and why some are connecting this conclave to an ancient apocalyptic prophecy.

Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app which seays UNINTERRUPTED LISTENING. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus. No plug-ins needed!  You also get 20+ other shows on the network ad-free!   


Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus. No plug-ins needed!

Subscribe now for exclusive shows like 'Palace Intrigue,' and get bonus content from Deep Crown (our exclusive Palace Insider!) Or get 'Daily Comedy News,' and '5 Good News Stories’ with no commercials! Plans start at $4.99 per month, or save 20% with a yearly plan at $49.99. Join today and help support the show!

We now have Merch!  FREE SHIPPING! Check out all the products like T-shirts, mugs, bags, jackets and more with logos and slogans from your favorite shows! Did we mention there’s free shipping? Get 10% off with code NewMerch10 Go to Caloroga.com

Get more info from Caloroga Shark Media and if you have any comments, suggestions, or just want to get in touch our email is [email protected]

As The Conclave begins, some security measures are under way, and the Cardinals are given dossiers on the candidates.

We take a look at the updated betting odds

Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app which seays UNINTERRUPTED LISTENING. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus. No plug-ins needed!  You also get 20+ other shows on the network ad-free!   

Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus. No plug-ins needed!

Subscribe now for exclusive shows like 'Palace Intrigue,' and get bonus content from Deep Crown (our exclusive Palace Insider!) Or get 'Daily Comedy News,' and '5 Good News Stories’ with no commercials! Plans start at $4.99 per month, or save 20% with a yearly plan at $49.99. Join today and help support the show!

We now have Merch!  FREE SHIPPING! Check out all the products like T-shirts, mugs, bags, jackets and more with logos and slogans from your favorite shows! Did we mention there’s free shipping? Get 10% off with code NewMerch10 Go to Caloroga.com

Get more info from Caloroga Shark Media and if you have any comments, suggestions, or just want to get in touch our email is [email protected]

You can wager on everything, including who might be the next Pope.  We take a look at the odds.

Also, the Popemobile finds a new purpose.


Get the show without ads. Five bucks.  For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app which says UNINTERRUPTED LISTENING. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus.   


Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus. No plug-ins needed!

Subscribe now for exclusive shows like 'Palace Intrigue,' and get bonus content from Deep Crown (our exclusive Palace Insider!) Or get 'Daily Comedy News,' and '5 Good News Stories’ with no commercials! Plans start at $4.99 per month, or save 20% with a yearly plan at $49.99. Join today and help support the show!

We now have Merch!  FREE SHIPPING! Check out all the products like T-shirts, mugs, bags, jackets and more with logos and slogans from your favorite shows! Did we mention there’s free shipping? Get 10% off with code NewMerch10 Go to Caloroga.com

Get more info from Caloroga Shark Media and if you have any comments, suggestions, or just want to get in touch our email is [email protected]

Inside the Vatican, thousands of sainthood causes languish in limbo - not rejected, but deliberately delayed. This episode investigates the most contested candidates awaiting judgment, from wartime Pope Pius XII and his disputed Holocaust record to American media pioneer Archbishop Fulton Sheen and radical social activist Dorothy Day. We reveal the power struggles that determine which causes advance and which wait for a more favorable moment, examining how the Church navigates historical reassessment, internal politics, and external pressure when deciding whose virtue deserves official recognition.

Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app which seays UNINTERRUPTED LISTENING. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus. No plug-ins needed!  You also get 20+ other shows on the network ad-free!   


Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus. No plug-ins needed!

Subscribe now for exclusive shows like 'Palace Intrigue,' and get bonus content from Deep Crown (our exclusive Palace Insider!) Or get 'Daily Comedy News,' and '5 Good News Stories’ with no commercials! Plans start at $4.99 per month, or save 20% with a yearly plan at $49.99. Join today and help support the show!

We now have Merch!  FREE SHIPPING! Check out all the products like T-shirts, mugs, bags, jackets and more with logos and slogans from your favorite shows! Did we mention there’s free shipping? Get 10% off with code NewMerch10 Go to Caloroga.com

Get more info from Caloroga Shark Media and if you have any comments, suggestions, or just want to get in touch our email is [email protected]

Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki of Cologne, Germany, expects the upcoming papal conclave to last longer than the relatively brief gathering that elected Pope Francis in 2013, the German prelate revealed Tuesday in Rome.

"I hope for a short conclave, but I believe everything is possible," Woelki told EWTN Germany. "I expect it won't go as quickly as the last conclave. But maybe I'll be proven wrong. I would be happy about that."

Get the show without ads. Five bucks.  For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app which says UNINTERRUPTED LISTENING. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus.   


Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus. No plug-ins needed!

Subscribe now for exclusive shows like 'Palace Intrigue,' and get bonus content from Deep Crown (our exclusive Palace Insider!) Or get 'Daily Comedy News,' and '5 Good News Stories’ with no commercials! Plans start at $4.99 per month, or save 20% with a yearly plan at $49.99. Join today and help support the show!

We now have Merch!  FREE SHIPPING! Check out all the products like T-shirts, mugs, bags, jackets and more with logos and slogans from your favorite shows! Did we mention there’s free shipping? Get 10% off with code NewMerch10 Go to Caloroga.com

Get more info from Caloroga Shark Media and if you have any comments, suggestions, or just want to get in touch our email is [email protected]

Martin Scorsese has made a documentary with the late Pope Francis that will feature conversations between the pontiff and Scorsese, including what the film-makers say was the pope's final in-depth on-camera interview.

Aldeas – A New Story will detail the work of Scholas Occurrentes, a non-profit, international organisation founded by the pope in 2013 to promote what it termed "Culture of Encounter" among youth.

Get the show without ads. Five bucks.  For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app which says UNINTERRUPTED LISTENING. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus.   


Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus. No plug-ins needed!

Subscribe now for exclusive shows like 'Palace Intrigue,' and get bonus content from Deep Crown (our exclusive Palace Insider!) Or get 'Daily Comedy News,' and '5 Good News Stories’ with no commercials! Plans start at $4.99 per month, or save 20% with a yearly plan at $49.99. Join today and help support the show!

We now have Merch!  FREE SHIPPING! Check out all the products like T-shirts, mugs, bags, jackets and more with logos and slogans from your favorite shows! Did we mention there’s free shipping? Get 10% off with code NewMerch10 Go to Caloroga.com

Get more info from Caloroga Shark Media and if you have any comments, suggestions, or just want to get in touch our email is [email protected]