A wave of joy swept across St. Peter’s Square this evening as white smoke emerged from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, announcing the election of a new pope. Cardinal Robert F. Prevost of the United States has been chosen as the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the papal name Leo XIV.

Moments after the announcement, the new pope appeared on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to offer his first blessing, Urbi et Orbi, to the city of Rome and the world. Smiling but solemn, Pope Leo XIV greeted the faithful with a message of peace, unity, and hope.

“I am humbled by the weight of this responsibility,” he said. “With God’s help and your prayers, I will serve the Church with love and courage.”

Born in Chicago and most recently serving as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, Pope Leo XIV is the first American pope in history and a respected figure known for his pastoral sensitivity, theological depth, and commitment to global outreach.

The election follows the death of Pope Francis on April 21, and comes after two days of voting by the 133 cardinal electors. The choice of the name “Leo” evokes memories of the great reformer Pope Leo XIII, known for his emphasis on social justice and the Church’s role in the modern world.

Crowds erupted in cheers and hymns as bells rang across Vatican City, signaling the dawn of a new papal era.

 In a landmark move that sets a new precedent for international cultural collaboration, the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA) in Nigeria and the Toledo Museum of Art (TMA) in the U.S. are proud to announce a transformative partnership aimed at promoting Modern and Contemporary African Art and enhancing institutional capacity through knowledge exchange.

Formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed in November 2024, the partnership will see both museums – nonprofit, educational institutions with a shared mission of service and impact through art – collaborate on a range of programs including a training and professional development exchange, joint curatorial initiatives, and traveling exhibitions from YSMA’s collection to the U.S.

This collaboration marks YSMA’s first major international partnership and is a bold step in amplifying its reach and influence on the global stage, particularly in deepening U.S.–Nigeria cultural relations through the lens of art and heritage. Recently named the 2025 Best Art Museum in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, TMA is an institution renowned for its history and reputation in museum management, curatorial excellence, and public engagement

Reflecting on the value of the joint initiative, Jess Castellote, Director of the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art, said: “This partnership is a major milestone in our journey to bring Nigerian art to a broader audience. At the YSMA, we believe in the transformative power of cultural exchange. By working with an esteemed institution like the TMA, we are not only building professional capacity but also affirming the place of African art in the global narrative of creativity, innovation, and heritage.”

The collaboration will also offer American audiences the opportunity to experience YSMA’s great collection, which spans centuries of African creativity and expression, ranging from ancient cultural artifacts to modern and contemporary works through travelling exhibitions.

Highlighting the significance of the collaboration, Adam Levine, Director and CEO of TMA said: “At the Toledo Museum of Art, we are proud to engage in a partnership that fosters mutual learning, inclusivity, and global dialogue. This collaboration with YSMA not only enriches our understanding of African art traditions but also deepens our ability to integrate art into the lives of people — both locally and globally. By working together, we strengthen the institutional ties and cultural connections that inspire, educate, and promote access to the transformative power of art.”

Both museums see this collaboration as a model for future cultural diplomacy efforts – one that uses art to bridge continents, enrich communities, and celebrate shared humanity. At a time when global understanding and cross- cultural dialogue are more important than ever, this partnership demonstrates how institutions with shared values can come together to advance mutual learning, preserve cultural heritage, and inspire new generations. By creating platforms for exchange – of ideas, art, and expertise – YSMA and TMA are laying the foundation for deeper, more sustained connections between Nigeria and the United States through the transformative power of art.