2025 Papal Election

Catholic Church's 267th pope was elected through a conclave that began on 7 May 2025 and concluded on the evening of 8 May 2025. Pope Francis passed away on 21 April 2025, following which 133 cardinal electors gathered in Vatican to conduct the election, as is traditional, in the Sistine Chapel.

The spiritual and administrative leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, died on 21 April 2025 at the age of 88. In accordance with Catholic tradition, a conclave was convened to elect a new pope. With the gathering of the cardinals in the Vatican, preparations for the election commenced and the conclave was formally opened on 7 May 2025.

The term “conclave” derives from the Latin phrase “cum clave,” meaning “with a key,” and refers to the closed session during which the cardinals are completely cut off from all physical and communicative contact with the outside world. This practice dates back to the 13th century. After the death of Pope Clement IV in 1268, the papal election lasted three years—1,006 days—until the election of Pope Gregory X in 1271. In response to this prolonged vacancy, the Second Council of Lyon in 1274 decreed that elections must proceed without interruption, that cardinals must remain sequestered until a pope is elected, and that the entire process must be conducted under absolute secrecy. The authority to elect the pope was formally assigned to the cardinals by Pope Nicholas II in 1059. Since that time, only cardinals have held the right to vote in papal elections.

Although the number of cardinal electors has varied over time, 133 electors participated in the 2025 election. To be eligible to vote, a cardinal must be under the age of 80. The 133 cardinals represented 70 different countries. The election held in the Sistine Chapel was conducted under fully isolated conditions and required all participants to take a vow of secrecy. On the opening day of the conclave, 7 May, at 17:30 local time, all external communications were severed, and following the command “Extra omnes” (everyone out), all persons except the electors left the chapel.

A total of 133 cardinal electors under the age of 80 participated in the 2025 Papal Election. This number represents an increase from the 115 cardinals who participated in the 2013 conclave. The electors represented 70 different countries. Europe had the highest level of participation, with Italy leading the list with 17 cardinals. Representation from Asia increased compared to previous conclaves, rising from 10 to 23 cardinals.

Some cardinals did not meet the eligibility criteria or withdrew for other reasons. According to Vatican sources, Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu withdrew from the election; this decision was reportedly linked to a financial judicial process concluded against him in 2023.

The majority of the cardinal electors were appointed during the papacy of Pope Francis. The youngest cardinal eligible to vote is Mykola Bychok, aged 45. Born in Ukraine, Bychok serves as the Major Archbishop of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Melbourne Australia and was elevated to the cardinalate in 2024.

On the evening of 7 May 2025, a single ballot was conducted. Voting began at approximately 17:45 local time and concluded at 21:05, when black smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, indicating that no pope had been elected in the first round. After a session lasting approximately three hours, no candidate received the required two-thirds majority, and the election process continued the following day.

On the same day, an estimated 45,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican to witness the outcome of the vote. The large crowd observed the chimney of the Sistine Chapel in real time. The chimney system installed above the chapel produces black smoke through a chemical reaction triggered by the burning of the ballot papers.

2025 Papal Election’s second day began on Thursday 8 May 2025 in the morning. The 133 cardinal electors under the age of 80 entered the Sistine Chapel at 09:15 local time, cutting off all contact with the outside world and continuing the election process. In the second and third rounds of voting held consecutively in the morning, a two-thirds majority could not be achieved. After the vote counting and the burning of the ballots, black smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel around 12:00. This smoke indicated that the election process had not yet concluded.

On the same day in the afternoon, the fourth round of voting completed the election process. At 20:04 UTC+2 on Thursday 8 May 2025, white smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel. This development was the traditional signal announcing the election of a new pope.

It is the conclave process that began on 7 May 2025 and concluded on the evening of 8 May 2025 for the election of the 267th pope of the Catholic Church. Convened in the Vatican following the death of Pope Francis on 21 April 2025, the election was attended by 133 cardinal electors and was held, in accordance with tradition, in the Sistine Chapel.

Pope Francis, the spiritual and administrative leader of the Catholic Church, passed away on 21 April 2025 at the age of 88. In accordance with Catholic tradition, a conclave was convened to elect his successor. As the College of Cardinals assembled in the Vatican, preparations for the electoral process commenced, and the conclave was officially opened on 7 May 2025.

The term conclave is derived from the Latin phrase cum clave, meaning “locked with a key.” It refers to the closed-session electoral assembly in which the cardinal electors are completely cut off from all external physical and communicative contact. This practice dates back to the 13th century. After the death of Pope Clement IV in 1268, the ensuing papal election lasted 1006 days—nearly three years—and ended in 1271 with the election of Pope Gregory X. As a result of this protracted process, the Second Council of Lyon in 1274 decreed that future papal elections must proceed without interruption, that cardinals must remain sequestered until a decision is reached, and that the proceedings be conducted under absolute secrecy. The authority to elect the pope was formally entrusted to the College of Cardinals by Pope Nicholas II in 1059. Since then, only cardinals have been permitted to vote in papal elections.

Although the number of cardinal electors has varied over time, the 2025 election included 133 cardinals, all of whom were under the canonical voting age limit of 80. These electors represented 70 different countries. The election was held in the Sistine Chapel under strictly isolated conditions and preceded by an oath of secrecy. On the opening day of the conclave, 7 May, all external contact was severed beginning at 5:30 p.m. local time, and following the command Extra omnes (“everyone out”), all non-electors exited the chapel.

A total of 133 cardinal electors under the age of 80 took part in the 2025 Papal Election. This marks an increase compared to the 115 cardinal electors who participated in the 2013 conclave. The cardinals involved in the election represented 70 different countries. Europe stood out as the most represented continent, with Italy leading the participation by contributing 17 electors. The representation from Asia increased significantly, rising from 10 to 23 cardinals compared to previous conclaves.

Some cardinals did not participate in the election either due to not meeting eligibility criteria or for other reasons. According to Vatican sources, Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu withdrew from the election process, a decision reportedly linked to a financial trial concluded in 2023 concerning his conduct.

A majority of the cardinal electors were appointed during the pontificate of Pope Francis. The youngest among them was 45-year-old Mykola Bychok, who was born in Ukraine and serves as Archbishop of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Melbourne, Australia. He was elevated to the College of Cardinals in 2024.

On the evening of 7 May 2025, a single round of voting was conducted. The session began at approximately 5:45 p.m. local time. Following the counting and incineration of the ballots, black smoke emerged from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel at 9:05 p.m., signaling that no pope had been elected in the first round. The session lasted about three hours and concluded without a definitive outcome, prompting the continuation of the conclave into the following day.

That same day, an estimated 45,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square to witness the result of the ballot. The large crowd watched live as black smoke rose from the chapel chimney. The chimney apparatus affixed to the Sistine Chapel released visible black smoke through a chemical reaction triggered by the burning of the ballots.

The second day of the 2025 Papal Election commenced on the morning of Thursday, 8 May 2025. At 9:15 a.m. local time, all 133 cardinal electors under the age of 80 entered the Sistine Chapel and severed all contact with the outside world, resuming the electoral proceedings in full seclusion. In the morning session, the second and third ballots were held consecutively; however, the required two-thirds majority was not achieved. Following the vote counting and the incineration of the ballots, black smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel chimney around 12:00 p.m., signaling that the election remained inconclusive.

Later that same day, the fourth round of voting brought the conclave to a conclusion. At 8:04 p.m. (UTC+2) on the evening of 8 May 2025, white smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel—serving as the traditional and official sign that a new pope had been elected.

The fourth round of voting on Thursday, 8 May 2025—the second day of the conclave—resulted in the election of the 267th pope of the Catholic Church. The election took place within the framework of the conclave that convened on 7 May, following the death of Pope Francis on 21 April 2025. After a candidate secured the required two-thirds majority in the Sistine Chapel, white smoke rose from the chimney at 8:04 p.m. (UTC+2), serving as the traditional signal to announce the successful outcome of the election to the world.

Following the election, the papal coat of arms was displayed on the central façade of St. Peter’s Basilica. At 8:23 p.m., the official announcement Habemus Papam ("We have a Pope") was delivered by French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, who holds the title of Protodeacon. In Latin, he declared: "Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum. Habemus Papam. Eminentissimum ac Reverendissimum Dominum, Dominum Robertum Franciscum Cardinalem Prevost, qui sibi nomen imposuit Leo Decimus Quartus."

The announcement identified the new pope as Robert Francis Prevost of the United States, who had chosen the name Leo XIV.

At 8:23 p.m. (UTC+2), Pope Leo XIV appeared before the public on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. There, he bestowed the traditional Urbi et Orbi (to the City and to the World) blessing.Pope Leo XIV addressed the crowd in both Latin and Italian. In his address, he commemorated Pope Francis and extended a special greeting to the people of Peru, where he had served for many years. With his election, Pope Leo XIV became the first American-born pope in the history of the Catholic Church.

_{Pope Leo XIV appears before the public for the first time from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, 8 May 2025 – Vatican News}

Robert Francis Prevost was born on 14 September 1955 in Chicago, Illinois. He was ordained as a priest in 1982 and went on to serve extensively in South America, especially in Peru. From 2014 to 2023, he served as the Archbishop of Chiclayo. He was later appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops (Dicasterium pro Episcopis) in the Roman Curia. It was while holding this position that he participated in the conclave and was elected as the 267th pope.

With the election concluded, the conclave held on 7–8 May 2025 was formally closed, marking the beginning of a new papal era within the Catholic Church. Pope Leo XIV has officially assumed his role as the spiritual leader of the Catholic world and the Head of State of the Vatican.

Following the announcement of Pope Leo XIV’s election, numerous heads of state, government leaders, and religious figures issued congratulatory messages. U.S. President Donald Trump extended his congratulations via social media and expressed his desire to meet with Pope Leo XIV. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a written statement, emphasized the significance of the election for the global Catholic community.

Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a telegram highlighting the hope that relations between the Vatican and Russia would continue on the basis of shared Christian values. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz remarked that the election carries symbolic importance amid ongoing international instability. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, in her letter, noted that the election of the new pope coincided with a period of global challenges.

In statements from Latin American countries, particular attention was drawn to Pope Leo XIV’s strong ties with Peru. Peruvian President Dina Boluarte emphasized the pope’s previous relationship with the Peruvian people and his citizenship status. Colombian President Gustavo Petro referenced Prevost’s Latin American background, while leaders from Mexico, Bolivia, Ecuador, Cuba, Guatemala, Honduras, and Paraguay also issued congratulatory remarks.

From the Middle East and North Africa, official statements were released by Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called on Pope Leo XIV to continue the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis, in promoting peace and human rights. Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb of Al-Azhar expressed his hope that interfaith dialogue would be further strengthened under the new papacy.

From the Balkans and across Europe, leaders of Greece, Slovenia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, and Croatia extended their best wishes to Pope Leo XIV. Messages frequently emphasized themes of justice, peace, and social solidarity.

2025 Papal Election’s second day, Thursday 8 May 2025, saw the fourth round of voting conclude with the election of the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church. The election took place within the context of the conclave, which convened on 7 May following the death of Pope Francis on 21 April 2025. After voting in the Sistine Chapel determined a candidate with the required two-thirds majority, white smoke rose from the chimney at 20.04 (UTC+2), signaling the traditional announcement of the election result to the world.

Following the election of the new pope, the papal coat of arms was displayed on the main facade of St Peter’s Basilica. At 20.23, the traditional announcement “Habemus Papam” was made by Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, who holds the title of Protodeacon. The announcement used the Latin phrase: “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum. Habemus Papam. Eminentissimum ac Reverendissimum Dominum, Dominum Robertum Franciscum Cardinalem Prevost, qui sibi nomen imposuit Leo Decimus Quartus”. The statement confirmed that the elected pope is Robert Francis Prevost, born in the United States, who has taken the name Leo XIV. Pope Leo appeared on the central balcony of St Peter’s Basilica at 20.23 (UTC+2) and delivered the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing to Rome and the entire world.

_{Papa Leo XIV, Aziz Petrus Bazilikası’nın merkez balkonundan ilk kez halkın karşısına çıkıyor, 8 Mayıs 2025 - Anadolu Ajansı}

Pope Leo XIV delivered his balcony address in Latin and Italian. In his speech, he paid tribute to Pope Francis and sent a special greeting to the people of Peru, where he served for many years. As a native of the United States, Pope Leo is the first American ever elected to the papacy in the history of the Catholic Church.

Robert Francis Prevost was born on 14 September 1955 in Chicago, Illinois. He was ordained a priest in 1982 and subsequently served for many years in South America, particularly in Peru. From 2014 to 2023 he served as Archbishop of Chiclayo and was then appointed President of the Dicastery for Bishops (Dicasterium pro Episcopis) in the Vatican. While serving in this role, he participated in the conclave and was elected the 267th pope.

With the completion of the election process, the conclave held between 7 and 8 May 2025 has concluded, and a new papal era has begun in the Catholic Church. Pope Leo XIV has officially assumed his duties as spiritual leader of the Catholic world and Head of State of the Vatican.

Following the announcement of the election of Pope Leo XIV, numerous heads of state and government, as well as religious representatives, issued messages of congratulations. U.S. President Donald Trump, in a statement on social media, welcomed the papal election and expressed his desire to meet with Pope Leo XIV. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized in a written statement the significance of this election for the Catholic world.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a telegram, expressed his hope that relations between the Vatican and Russia would continue to be grounded in Christian values. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz noted that this election carries symbolic importance amid global instability. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, in her letter, highlighted that the pope’s election coincides with a period of global challenges.

Statements from Latin American countries particularly emphasized the strong ties with Peru. Peruvian President Dina Boluarte underscored the pope’s longstanding relationship with the Peruvian people and his citizenship status. Colombian President Gustavo Petro referenced Prevost’s Latin American background, while leaders of Mexico, Bolivia, Ecuador, Cuba, Guatemala, Honduras, and Paraguay issued messages of congratulations.

Official statements were also issued by countries in the Middle East and North Africa, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas invited Pope Leo XIV to continue the legacy of his predecessor Pope Francis in promoting peace and human rights. Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb of Al-Azhar expressed his hope for strengthened interfaith dialogue with the pope.

Messages from Balkan and European countries, including the presidents of Greece, Slovenia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, and Croatia, offered congratulations to Pope Leo XIV on his election. Common themes in these statements included justice, peace, and social solidarity.