A new Pope has officially been elected following the death of Pope Francis, with white smoke billowing from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Thursday afternoon — signalling to the world that the conclave has reached a decision.
Who is the new Pope?
Robert Francis Prevost - who will now be known as Pope Leon XIV - a prominent American Catholic leader, was born in Chicago, Illinois, on September 14, 1955.
A member of the Order of Saint Augustine, Prevost has an extensive academic and theological background, holding a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from Villanova University, a Master of Divinity from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, and a Doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome.
Ordained to the priesthood in 1982, Prevost spent a significant part of his early ministry in Peru, where he served in various capacities including missionary work, seminary leadership, and ultimately as bishop of the Diocese of Chiclayo.
In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America—two of the Vatican’s most influential roles. That same year, he was made a Cardinal. His tenure as Prefect concluded following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025.
Father Mark R. Francis, CSV, who currently serves as the provincial of the Viatorians in the United States, studied alongside Prevost and knows him well. The two were seminary classmates at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago from 1978 until 1982, and both later worked in Rome during the early 2000s.Fr. Francis describes his former classmate as a deeply thoughtful and steady presence within the Church, per CBS News.
"My experience of Cardinal Prevost was that he's not a showboat," said Fr. Francis. "He's very calm, but extremely intelligent, and extremely compassionate."His blend of emotional intelligence and academic rigor has made him a favorite among both progressives and centrists in the Catholic world.
"He's a person who's very sensitive, and is concerned to allow everyone to have a voice," Fr. Francis added.Much like Pope Francis, Cardinal Prevost is known for advocating for the marginalized, including the poor—an echo of Pope Francis’ emphasis on compassion and inclusivity. So, would a Prevost-led papacy look familiar?
"It would be similar in terms of basic goals, I think," Francis explained. "The kind of style he would bring to the papacy would be calm, steady, very direct kind of guidance."
Cardinal Prevost is also seen as progressive on many social issues, yet many view him as a centrist at heart—someone who could bridge the gaps between the Church’s various factions.
The historic moment came on the second day of deliberations inside Vatican City, where 133 cardinals gathered in secrecy to cast their votes. A two-thirds majority was needed to elect the next Pontiff — meaning at least 89 votes were required.
This time, the cardinals moved quickly.
Crowds waiting outside St. Peter’s Basilica erupted with joy as the famous plume of white smoke poured from the chimney, confirming the centuries-old ritual had once again delivered a new spiritual leader to guide the Catholic Church.
The conclave was triggered by the passing of Pope Francis, who died at 7:35AM on April 21, 2025, in his residence at Casa Santa Marta. He had been battling double pneumonia and associated health complications.
His funeral took place five days later, on April 26, inside St. Peter’s Basilica. The service drew a staggering turnout, with religious leaders, global dignitaries, and hundreds of thousands of mourners in attendance.
High-profile figures included US President Donald Trump, former President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Britain’s Prince William, who represented King Charles.
The royal delegation didn’t stop there. Spain’s King Felipe and Queen Letizia, Monaco’s Prince Albert and Princess Charlene, Belgium’s King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia, Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, and Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Queen Rania were also present to pay their respects.
Pope Francis was laid to rest at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. His burial was as humble as he had wished. Inside his coffin were a handwritten “Rogito,” a bag of minted coins, and key papal documents. His final message read:
“The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus.”
He also wrote: “I wish my final earthly journey to end precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary, where I would always stop to pray at the beginning and end of every Apostolic Journey.”
As per Church tradition, a nine-day mourning period known as the Novendiale followed his death. Only after this period could the College of Cardinals begin the process of choosing his successor.
The selection of a new Pope is carried out under strict, secretive procedures. Cardinals are housed in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta and meet in the Sistine Chapel to vote. The entire process is cloaked in confidentiality, with no external communication permitted.
Of the 252 members of the College of Cardinals, only 138 were eligible to vote—those under the age of 80.
While any unmarried Catholic man who has been baptized and is at least 35 years old could technically become Pope, the role is almost always filled by a cardinal. A candidate must also have studied the Bible, theology, or canon law.
Women, however, are not eligible for the papacy. The Catholic Church’s stance on male-only priesthood prevents women from becoming bishops or cardinals—the two clerical levels from which Popes are traditionally selected.
“The reality is that the patriarchy is still entrenched and women need not apply,” said Catholic historian and commentator Paul Collins, per ABC.
The Vatican maintains this rule is grounded in historical precedent, citing that Jesus chose twelve male apostles, who in turn ordained other men into the ministry.
As the world now waits to learn the identity of the new Pontiff, one thing is certain—this is a watershed moment for the Church.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated as more details emerge.