when is the new pope elected

The new pope was elected in a papal conclave that began on May 7, 2025. The conclave took place in the Sistine Chapel and involved 133 eligible cardinal electors under the age of 80. The cardinals began voting on May 7, with one ballot on the first afternoon and up to four ballots a day thereafter. To elect a pope, a two-thirds majority of at least 89 votes was required. The conclave follows a tradition where cardinals are isolated from the outside world and vote secretly until a new pope is chosen. Smoke signals indicate the progress: black smoke meaning no decision, and white smoke signaling the election of a new pope. If no pope is elected after three days, voting pauses for a day of prayer. After additional rounds, if still no decision is made, a runoff between the top two candidates occurs. This conclave was held about 16 days after the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025. Voting ended with the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who took the papal name Leo XIV on May 8, 2025. Thus, the new pope was elected during the conclave beginning May 7, 2025, and the election concluded on May 8, 2025.