The next pope was elected during the papal conclave that began on May 7, 2025. This conclave took place in the Sistine Chapel, where 133 cardinal electors under the age of 80 gathered to vote. The conclave is governed by centuries- old traditions and strict protocols. Voting started with one ballot on the first day, and then up to four ballots per day thereafter until a two-thirds majority (at least 89 votes) was reached. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the new pope during this conclave, taking the name Leo XIV. The conclave typically lasts a few days, and modern papal elections tend to conclude within three to five days. The process involves secret ballots, smoke signals from the chapel chimney indicating voting results (black smoke for no decision and white smoke signaling a successful election), and a potential series of pauses and runoff votes if necessary. In summary, the pope was elected in early May 2025, with the conclave starting on May 7 and the election happening within a few days afterward. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost became Pope Leo XIV.
