American Robert Francis Prevost, new Pope with the name of Leo XIV: summary of Vatican conclave decision
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Robert Prevost elected Pope: live updates
Summary of conclave conclusion at the Vatican
Day 2 headlines:
- Cardinal Robert Prevost, 69, becomes the first person from the United States to be elected Pope, selecting the name Pope Leo XIV
- Pope Leo's first message from St. Peter's Basilica: "May my greeting of peace reach the whole Earth"
- The meaning behind 'Habemus Papam,' which has quickly become the phrase of the day.
- Over a hundred thousand people gathered in St. Peter's Square to greet the Pope Leo
- Leo XIV will give his first mass as pontiff on Friday 9 May in the Sistine Chapel at 11:00 local time (5:00 am ET)
Watch a live video stream from the Vatican:
Leo XIII was the 256th pontiff - one of the oldest to serve and the first Pope to appear on film. We take a look at his fascinating story.
Wilmar Esteve Roldán Solano, a professor at the Faculty of Theology at the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, described Leo XIV as “a bridge Pope, between the progressive and conservative lines. He is a missionary, a religious man, open to dialogue.
The Catholic Church does not impose any rules or restrictions about what papal name the pontiff chooses. Let's take a look at why the new Pope has opted for Leo and all of his predecessors who chose the same name.
US hopes to 'deepen' relationship with the Vatican
The United States hopes to "deepen" its longstanding relationship with the Vatican following Thursday’s election of Leo XIV, the first American Pope in the history of the Catholic Church, said Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
"The United States looks forward to deepening its enduring relationship with the Holy See under the first American pontiff," said Rubio, a practicing Catholic, in a statement in which he also extended his "sincerest congratulations" to the now-former Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost.
"This is a moment of profound significance for the Catholic Church, offering renewed hope and continuity during the Jubilee Year of 2025 to more than a billion faithful around the world. The papacy carries a sacred and solemn responsibility," added the U.S. top diplomat
The United States hopes to "deepen" its longstanding relationship with the Vatican following Thursday’s election of Leo XIV, the first American Pope in the history of the Catholic Church, said Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
"The United States looks forward to deepening its enduring relationship with the Holy See under the first American pontiff," said Rubio, a practicing Catholic, in a statement in which he also extended his "sincerest congratulations" to the now-former Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost.
"This is a moment of profound significance for the Catholic Church, offering renewed hope and continuity during the Jubilee Year of 2025 to more than a billion faithful around the world. The papacy carries a sacred and solemn responsibility," added the U.S. top diplomat
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sends his congratuations to Pope Leo
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday congratulated American Cardinal Robert Prevost on his election as the new Pope, expressing hope that he will continue to offer the “moral and spiritual support” that Ukraine has already received from the Vatican during the papacy of Francis I.
“Congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on his election to the Throne of Saint Peter and the beginning of his pontificate,” Zelenskyy wrote on social media. He also expressed Ukraine’s gratitude for “the Vatican’s consistent stance in defending international law,” its “condemnation” of Russian aggression, and its support for “the rights of innocent civilians.”
“At this decisive moment for our country, we hope the Vatican will continue its moral and spiritual support for Ukraine’s efforts to restore justice and achieve a just peace,” Zelenskyy said.
Francesco Sforza / via REUTERS
The first steps of Pope Leo XIV after an exciting and emotional day
Pope Leo XIV, elected this Wednesday as the successor to Francis, begins an intense schedule of rites, gestures, and ceremonies that will mark the beginning of his pontificate following the highly anticipated white smoke and his first appearance before thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
Once the two-thirds majority was reached inside the Sistine Chapel—89 votes or more in this case—and he was presented from the balcony of the central loggia of the Vatican Basilica with the traditional "Habemus Papam", the American Robert Francis Prevost took his first steps as Bishop of Rome.
His first official act is to choose the date for the solemn Mass inaugurating his pontificate, during which two of the main symbols of the office are bestowed upon him: the pallium and the Fisherman’s Ring, emblem of the Apostle Peter. This Mass marks the official beginning of his ministry as head of the Church.
Although the Pope becomes pontiff the moment he accepts his election in the Sistine Chapel, the inauguration ceremony publicly and officially marks the start of the papacy. It is usually held a few days after the white smoke to allow time for dignitaries and pilgrims to arrive in Rome, but typically no later than a week after the election.
In the case of Pope Francis, elected on March 13, 2013, the inaugural Mass was held on March 19 of the same month.
As for the new Pope’s immediate agenda, tradition holds that the day after his election, he celebrates a private Mass with the cardinals in the Sistine Chapel, followed by a meeting with them in the Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace.
In the first few days, he must also begin addressing the renewal of the Roman Curia, deciding whether to retain or replace top officials such as the Secretary of State and the prefects of the various dicasteries.
Additionally, on the first Sunday after his election, the Pope will lead the Angelus prayer from the window of the Apostolic Palace.
The new Pope chose not to speak in his mother tongue in his first address to the world after his election.
The new Pope also holds Peruvian citizenship
The American Robert Prevost, elected this Thursday as the new Pope under the name Leo XIV, also holds Peruvian citizenship, which he obtained in 2015 after spending much of his religious life in the Andean country, according to the National Registry of Identification and Civil Status (Reniec).
“We have a record with those names, naturalized since 2015, indeed in Chiclayo. He currently has a valid national ID,” said the agency’s spokesperson, Rubí Rivas, in an interview with RPP radio.
Leo, one of the most adopted papel names in Catholic history
Robert Francis Prevost, newly elected Pope in succession to Francis, has chosen the name Leo XIV for his pontificate—one of the most frequently adopted names in the history of the Catholic Church.
The most commonly used papal names since Peter have been, in order:
John (23),
Gregory (16),
Benedict (16),
Clement (14),
Leo (13),
Innocent (13),
Pius (12),
Stephen (9),
Urban (8),
Alexander (8),
Adrian (6),
Paul (6),
Sixtus (5),
Martin (5),
Nicholas (5),
Celestine (5),
Anastasius (4), and
Honorius (4).
Since Saint Peter, no Pope has dared to choose his name out of respect for the apostle. John XIV (983–984), born Peter Canepanova, and Sergius IV (1009–1012), born Peter Bocca di Porco, both changed their names upon ascending to the papal throne.
We begin to learn more about Pope Leo XIV from other Catholic leaders
James Martin, a priest and editor-at-large of American Magazine, shares kind words for the new Pope. "I know Pope Leo XIV to be a kinda, open, humble, modest, decisive, hard-working, straightforward, trustworthy, and down-to-earth man."
Though not a name many believed would emerge as the new Supreme Pontiff, Robert Provost received the needed votes from his fellow cardinals.
President Trump responds to news that Pope Leo hails from Chicago
Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!
Pope Leo might be from the US, but he doesn't look to be a fan of President Trump's politics
Though not posted by the new Pope, this was the last message reposted by the cardinal before being elected head of the Catholic church. In the reposted message on X, notes the hypocrisy of Bukele's willingness to accept migrants who had been deported without due process.
The message shows that Pope Leo will be a leader who stands up for immigrants and those seeking safety. In his first speech from St. Peter's Basicila paid homage to the late-Pope Francis, and spoke to the importance of inclusion, and all being welcome in the church.
All the information on the new Pope...
The church welcomes Pope Leo
Cardinal Robert Prevost, from Chicago, USA, has been selected by the Cardinals to serve as the Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church. He will henceforth be known as Pope Leo XIV. He is the 267th person to serve as the church's head.
Cardinal Robert Prevost, from Chicago, USA, will become the next Pope, selecting Pope Leo XIV as his papal name. / Hannah McKay / REUTERS
Pope Leo addresses St. Peter's Square
Pope Leo emerges from St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City to drums and roaring applause from the more than half a million spectators who came to greet the new Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic faith.
UN Secretary General congratulates Catholics on their new Pope
The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has congratulated Catholics around the world on the election of the new Pope, shortly after the appearance of the white smoke indicating that the Vatican conclave has chosen a successor to Pope Francis.
"The United Nations looks forward to working with the new Pope," said the Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, Farhan Haq, during his daily press briefing.
More Than 40,000 People eagerly await the new Pope in St. Peter’s Square
More than 40,000 people—a number that is expected to rise—are waiting in St. Peter’s Square for the moment when Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti announces the "Habemus Papam" from the balcony of the central loggia on the façade of the Vatican Basilica, and the new pontiff appears and his name is revealed.
The tens of thousands of people erupted in a great ovation at the sight of the white smoke at 6:08 p.m. today (4:08 p.m. GMT), signaling the election of a new Pope on the fourth ballot.
The new Pope in the Room of Tears
The new Pope, whose name will be known shortly, has moved from the Sistine Chapel to the so-called Room of Tears to dress before presenting himself to the world on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
This is part of the ritual for the election of a new pontiff, which was signaled at 6:08 p.m. (4:08 p.m. GMT) by the white smoke.
The room is known by this name because, historically, it is where the newly elected Pope can spend a quiet moment, to pray, and in some cases, weep to release the accumulated tension after the election.
Inside the chamber are three long white robes (cassocks) of different sizes depending on the elected Pope's height, four short garments like surplices, a purple mozzetta (shoulder cape), and a purple stole with gold embroidery.
If he wishes, he can also choose from various sizes of shoes, sashes, a cord, and a golden cross, all prepared there for him.
We explain the meaning behind Urbi et Orbi, the solemn blessing the new Pope delivers once he is presented to the world.
A faster Conclave than many had predicted
It took four votes to choose a new Pope.
The conclave, which was the largest and most multicultural in history, was expected to last longer than usual due to the difficulty of reaching the required two-thirds majority (89 votes). The conclave lasted just under 24 hours, and the cardinals managed to agree on a new Pope. The identity of the pontiff is expected to be revealed around 7:00 p.m. in Rome.
What we can expect from here...
Following the white smoke and the ringing of the six bells of St. Peter's Basilica, the name of the new Pope will soon be revealed.
The protodeacon cardinal, Frenchman Dominique Mamberti, will appear on the balcony of the basilica to announce the election with the traditional Latin formula: "Nuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam" ("I announce to you a great joy: we have a Pope").
He will then say in Latin the given name of the elected cardinal as well as the name he wishes to be called as Supreme Pontiff.
Afterward, the new Pope will appear before the faithful in St. Peter's Square to present himself to the world.
'60 minutes from smoke to Pope'
Spectators should expect to wait at least 45 minutes for the new Pope to come out and address the crowd gathered in St. Peter's Square.
Soon the words “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: habemus Papam!” will be pronounced from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica overlooking St. Peter’s Square. We explain the meaning of Habemus Papam, the Latin phrase used to officially announce the election of a new Pope.
We explain the meaning of Habemus Papam, the Latin phrase used to officially announce the election of a new Pope.
White smoke rises from the chimney on the Sistine Chapel, indicating that a new pope has been elected at the Vatican, May 8, 2025. REUTERS/Yara Nardi TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY / Yara Nardi / REUTERS
Thousands in St. Peter's Square gather as White Smoke billows from the Sistine Chapel
Thousands of spectators have gathered in St. Peter's Square, where the Catholic Church's next leader will soon greet them. Flags from all over the world can be spotted, as an excited crowd awaits the new Supreme Pontiff to address them from St. Peter's Basilica.
White smoke has emerged from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel. Now the crowd gathered below will await the news of who has been named pope. The person who they will hear the news from is Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, that is unless he has been chosen to lead the Catholic Church with its 1.4 billion worldwide congregation.
Vatican confirms that a new Supreme Pontif of the Catholic Church has been elected
This conclave elected a new Pope on the third ballot. The new Supreme Pontiff will make his first appearance shortly from St. Peter's Basilica, as is tradition.
Habemus papam on the fourth ballot
We have white smoke from the Sistine! On the fourth ballot, the third held today, the Cardinals have selected a new Pope... an exciting day for the 1.4 billion Catholics around the world.
The candidates for Pope online gamblers are putting their money on
More than $27 million has been wagered on Polymarket regarding which cardinal will become the next Pope.
The conclave has entered its second day, with the fourth ballot results anticipated soon, and Polymarket views Pietro Parolin as the leading candidate for the role of Supreme Pontiff. Parolin has held the position of Secretary of State for the Holy See since 2013 and is recognized as a strong institutional choice. Additionally, other contenders gaining traction in the betting market include Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines, who was celebrated for his singing and charisma. Pierbattista Pizzaballa has also risen as a notable favorite.
Images from Vatican City as visitors await news from the Sistine Chapel
For those outisde the Sistine Chapel, the conclave to elect a new Pope can include a lot of waiting around.
Third vote of the day expected to wrap up soon...
The Cardinals are expected to wrap up their third vote of the day in the coming minutes, with crowds already gathering to see whether white smoke is released from the chimney placed on the Sistine Chapel.
If a new Pope is not elected during this ballot, the Cardinals will move directly to the fifth ballot. That will be the final vote of the day, and the results are expected around 7:30 pm in Rome or 1:00 pm ET.
Conclave voting timetable (remainder of Thursday)
A reminder of the key times when to look for smoke coming out of the chimney installed on top of the Sistine Chapel where the cardinals have been gathered.
- 11:30 am ET | 5:30 pm Rome Time
- 1:00 pm ET | 7:00 pm Rome Time
European Parliament pays tribute to Pope Francis
With the Conclave to find a successor in full swing, earlier this week the European Parliament opened its plenary session in Strasbourg with an official commemoration marked by a moment of silence for the late Pontiff.
"While this Assembly mourns his loss, we also recall his call for action and collaboration by all for a better, more compassionate, and courageous Europe, stated President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola before observing a minute's silence to remember Francis.
'The Young Pope' gets the critical nod
With many turning to Conclave or The Two Popes for their papal fix, many critics claim that the HBO/Sky 2006 production 'The Young Pope' starring Jude Law is the finest portrayal of what happens in the Vatican City when a fictional younger pope is chosen.
Diane Keaton, Javier Cámara and Silvio Orlando also star with the film created and directed by Paolo Sorrentino.
Light meals with tea and coffee
Nutritionist Giorgio Calabrese outlines to the Catholic Herald the diet that will be used by the cardinals during the Conclave.
"Strong alcohol is avoided as it puts a heavy strain on the liver, and that takes energy away from the brain”
Demand to watch Conclave (movie) soars
Released in 2024, the film Conclave unfolds in the immediate aftermath of the Pope's sudden death as the Dean of the College of Cardinals, is tasked with the formidable responsibility of organizing the papal conclave to elect the new leader of the Catholic Church.
The movie starring Ralph Fiennes and Isabella Rossellini was nominated for eight Oscars including Best Picture winning the prize for Best Adapted Screenplay on the night.
Historical conclave
The current conclave is the largest we've seen in history. 108 of the 133 cardinal electors are participating in the election for the first time. It also the first time that cardinals from outside of Europe outnumber their European counterparts. There are more than 20 cardinals from Asia and 18 from Africa.
Did Parolin get an endorsement from Cardinal Giovanni Battista?
Cardinal Pietro Parolin is one of the frontrunners to succeed Pope Francis. The 70-year-old secretary of state may have been endorsed by Cardinal Giovanni Battista.
The 91-year-old dean of the College of Cardinals was caught on a hot mic on Wednesday telling Parolin "Auguri doppio", which means "double best wishes".
It could have just been a customary gesture, but there's debate over whether it was an informal endorsement by Battista, or even a preliminary congratulations.
The Archbishop of Rabat, born in Spain, laughs off speculation about becoming Pope—and explains why you'd have to be "mentally ill" to want the role.
The official announcer of the new pope
As the most senior cardinal in the Order of Deacons, the chosen person to announce the new pope when the time comes is Cardinal Dominique Mamberti.
The 73-year-old Frenchman, born in Morocco, will announce the new pope with the Latin phrase, "Habemus papami!", which means, "We have a pope!"
If, however, Mamberti himself is chosen as the new pope, he will not announce himself. Instead, the responsibility will fall to Italian Cardinal Mario Zenaria - the current Vatican ambassador to Syria.
Giovanni Maria Vian predicts a long Conclave but believes Pope Francis’s successor will be European: “If I were a cardinal, I would vote for Arborelius.”
A person rests at St. Peter's Square, on the second day of the conclave to elect the new pope, at the Vatican, May 8, 2025. REUTERS/Marko Djurica / Marko Djurica / REUTERS
Conclave to elect the new pope, at the Vatican
It's a lot of waiting around for bystanders hoping to witness the emergence of the new pope, but it's a monumental event in Italy, and if you can find ways to rest, it's worth the wait.
Amanda Perobelli / REUTERS
Will one of the cardinals appointed by Pope Francis succeed him?
The world is waiting for white smoke to rise from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican. Of the 133 cardinals sequestered inside, 108 were appointed by Pope Francis.
They make up 80% of the electors voting on who will be the new pontiff. To elect a new pope, two thirds must agree on one person which could mean the Catholic Church will likely follow the late pontiff’s vision.
For example, Paul VI left a lasting mark on the Church appointing as cardinals his three immediate successors: Albino Luciani, Karol Wojtyla and Joseph Ratzinger. They were respectively Popes John Paul I, John Paul II and Benedict XVI.
A century of voting in past conclaves
Going back over 100 years, the last ten conclaves have been decided between after just two days of voting, 3 ballots to elect Pius XII in 1939, and 5 days of voting,14 ballots to elect Pius XI in 1922.
The most surreal papal election process took place between 1268 and 1271. The man chosen wasn’t even a cardinal and wasn’t present at the conclave.
Vatican / Marko Djurica / REUTERS
Conclave voting timetable to elect the new pope at the Vatican
The 135 cardinal electors have held two votes so far on Thursday 8 May with two more scheduled lest they come to an agreement on who should be the next pope in the first of those two. Here is when to look for smoke coming out of the chimney installed on top of the Sistine Chapel where the cardinals have been sequestered.
- 11:30 am ET | 5:30 pm Rome Time
- 1:00 pm ET | 7:00 pm Rome Time
If there is no consensus reached today, then the cardinals will meet again tomorrow when another possible four sessions of voting will be held.
It was announced earlier this month that one of the late Pope Francis's ‘popemobiles’ is to be converted into a healthcare unit for the benefit of children in war-torn Gaza.
Marko Djurica / REUTERS
The waiting game in the Vatican
A spectator in the Vatican City takes a photo of the Sistine Chapel chimney earlier today, as black smoke indicated that this morning's votes had yielded no decision on the identity of the next pope.
There are 10 cardinal electors from the U.S., writes AS USA's Greg Heilman.
Greg has taken a look at the American cardinals who have a chance - albeit an outside one - of becoming pope.
“Voices that have never been heard"
A U.S. Catholic priest has spoken to CNN about the diversity of the current group of cardinals voting to elect a new pontiff.
“It’s such a diverse body and [we have] cardinals who have come from places that have never had a cardinal before,” Father Enzo Del Brocco, who currently serves in New York City, told the media outlet. “That is something positive.”
He added: “Voices that have never been heard before are present to elect the next pope."
Claudia Greco / REUTERS
Awaiting that fumata bianca...
People gathered in the Vatican City react as black smoke rises from the chimney on the Sistine Chapel early today, indicating no decision has so far been made on the election of a new pope.
(REUTERS/Claudia Greco)
AS's Luis Méndez and David Nelson have also put together a profile of Luis Antonio Tagle, a man who has been dubbed the "Asian Francis".
That list below of the bookmakers' favorites includes historic potential picks.
The Filipino Luis Antonio Tagle would be the first Asian elected as pope in modern history, while the Ghanian Peter Turkson would be the first African pope of the modern era.
Conclave: the betting odds
Here are the cardinals leading the betting to become the next pope, according to Sports Book Review:
- Pietro Parolin (+225)
- Luis Antonio Tagle (+325)
- Pierbattista Pizzaballa (+600)
- Matteo Zuppi (+700)
- Peter Turkson (+900)
Dylan Martinez / REUTERS
Fumata nera
Black smoke rises from the chimney on the Sistine Chapel at the end of today's morning voting session, indicating no decision has been made to elect a new pope.
(REUTERS/Dylan Martinez)
No decision in day 2's morning session
Vatican News, the news portal of the Holy See, says this latest black smoke signals that no decision was reached in two rounds of voting this morning. This brings the total rounds of voting so far to three.
The 133 cardinal electors will now break for lunch and resume voting this afternoon. Vatican News says voting is expected to resume at around 4 p.m. local time (10 a.m. ET).
That's a bumper lunch break.
Black smoke!
It's just before noon local time, and black smoke has begun to emerge from the Sistine Chapel chimney.
The rules of the religion state that only cardinals under the age of 80, who are male and Catholic, are allowed to vote in the election of the new pontiff.
The election of the new Bishop of Rome is a deeply traditional process, governed by the Code of Canon Law, which is the set of laws regulating the Catholic Church. This code specifically states that one requirement to become pope is to be male.
And there's no way a woman can even get close. In order to become the supreme pontiff, one must work their way up from the rank of priest, advancing through the levels to cardinal and bishop - but even that is a title women are not allowed to hold.
The famous ceiling of the Sistine Chapel
Painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512, the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is one of the most iconic artworks in the world.
Depicting nine scenes from the Book of Genesis, the ceiling has been restored several times, most recently from 1980 to 1994.
A tourist attraction on most days of the year, the Chapel also serves as the location for the papal conclave, the place where the cardinals gather to pray, deliberate and vote on the new Pope.
Top contenders:
According to sources who spoke to Sky News, these 7 names were the most talked-about last night during the deliberations.
· Pierto Parolin (Italy)
· Pierbattista Pizzaballa (Italy)
· Pablo Virgilio David (Philippenes)
· Ángel Fernández Artime (Spain)
· Cristóbal López Romero (Morocco)
· Robert Francis Prevost (USA)
· Jean-Marc Aveline (France)
What happens when a new Pope is elected?
If one candidate receives the key number of 89 votes and we get the white smoke from the chimney, they are then asked if they would like to take on the role of Pope.
After accepting, the new Pope must choose a Papal name. For example, Pope Francis' real name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio.
After choosing their name, they are taken to 'The Room of Tears', where they will don the famous white robes. The room bears such an emotive name as it reflects the pressure and weight of the role they are about to undertake.
The new Pope is then immediately taken to the balcony to be introduced to the world. The words "Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!" ("I bring you tidings of great joy: We have a pope!") are spoken, revealing the news.
The news will be immediately followed up with the Pope's baptismal name, in Latin, followed by the papal name he has selected.
Stefano Spaziani / Europa Press
We've only had some seagulls...
But no smoke and no new Pope.
Of course, the vote could be running late, but it would be expected that now the Cardinals are all used to the process, it will run more on time than it did yesterday.
If there is no conclusive answer, the Cardinals all get straight back to voting once again, there is no break in between.
Remember, there isn't always smoke
We've gone past the first expected time for smoke today, which was at 10:30 am local time (4:30 am ET). The reason we didn't see anything was because when it comes to the first votes in the morning and afternoon, there's only white smoke if a new pope is chosen.
The Swiss Guard watches over the City
The world's smallest army, the Swiss Guard, call Vatican City their office.
Instantly recognisable by their renaissance dress, their sole role is to protect the Pope and the Apostolic Palace within Vatican City.
Established in 1506 by Pope Julius II, they are an elite military unit of just 135 men.
Amanda Perobelli / REUTERS
How things look this morning
Queues are already building ahead of what promises to be an exciting day both inside and outside the Vatican, with thousands of people expected to turn up and witness the potential election a new leader of the Catholic Church.
Here's a look at the sunrise over St. Peter's Basilica. As for the weather, we're expecting a sunny day for the most part with highs of around 21ºC/70ºF.
What kind of majority is needed to elect a new pope?
Although the voting process might appear simple, it does have very strict guidelines.
The conclave—a secretive meeting—is restricted to cardinals under the age of 80, all of whom are male and members of the Catholic Church. To elect a new pope, a candidate must secure a two-thirds majority. In the current conclave, that means at least 89 votes.
If no one reaches that threshold, voting continues with up to four ballots each day until someone does. The two-thirds rule stays in place until the 34th vote.
After that, only the two leading candidates from the previous round remain in contention, and the pope is chosen by a simple majority.
Where do the Cardinals live during the Conclave?
During the conclave, the cardinals live in the Casa Santa Marta, a five-storey guesthouse with 106 suites, 22 single rooms and a state apartment.
A building adjacent to St. Peter's Basilica, it was constructed in 1996. Pope John Paul II had it built in order to make things easier for the older Cardinals who struggled to get to the Apostolic Palace, which was further away and had less-welcoming amenities such as limited bathroom space and no air conditioning.
Of course, there are no radios, TV, or phones, and the WiFi is also blocked in order to completely limit the Cardinals' connection with the outside world.
"There seems to be some ripples in the process"
Mathew Schmalz, a professor in Catholic studies at the College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts, told BBC news that he is "kind of nervous that there seems to be some ripples in the process".
"I'm thinking simply because of the diversity of the college of cardinals, that the conclave could be a little longer. These are cardinals who still are getting to know one another so unless they're going to go for a clear candidate who's already well known, deliberations make take some time."
Today's schedule:
The first ballot will be at 10:30 am (04:30 am ET), followed by another at 12:00 (6:00 am ET).
The cardinals will have lunch, followed by two more votes at around 17:30 (11:30 am ET) and 19:00 (1:00 pm ET).
However, there isn't always smoke with each of the four votes.
When it comes to the first votes in the morning and afternoon, there's only white smoke if a new pope is chosen.
Another delay on the cards?
Speaking to BBC Radio, papal historian Rebecca Rist said that she would expect the church to have made its decision by Saturday.
"I think the church at the moment realises that they need to bring people together, that they don’t want the church to look split. So I suspect we’ll have the decision by Saturday."
Adam Berry / Getty Images
The frontrunner for the job:
Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin is many people's favourite to become the next Pope, and has made pretty much every shortlist when it comes to discussing the contenders.
The 70-year-old was born in 1955 in Schiavon, Italy and has served as the Vatican’s Secretary of State since 2013, the top advisor of Francis.
Parolin's extensive experience includes diplomatic postings in Nigeria, Mexico, and Venezuela. As for his views, they are widely considered to be a blend of conservative ideas and an openness to discuss and debate changes to the Catholic way of thinking.
In a time of uncertainty, especially after such a divisive Pope as Francis was, many see Parolin as the natural successor.
Here is the moment black smoke emerged
While collective groans were heard from the onlookers, the mood did not dampen and it's certainly not low today, with people already arriving to secure their spot in front of St. Peter's Basilica where televisions have been installed to get the best view possible of the famous chimney.
Cardinals will be deliberating around now
They have already had breakfast, and moved from the Santa Marta residence to the Papal Palace where they celebrated the Mass and Lauds in the Pauline Chapel.
They are now deliberating and the first vote of the day will occur shortly after.
Cardinals this week said they expected a short conclave, though it will likely take at least a few rounds of voting.
Stay tuned to AS USA for all the latest updates as they come through.
Up to 250,000 people expected to gather today
Tens of thousands of people made it to St. Peter's Square yesterday afternoon in expectation of the historic announcement, and many more are predicted to turn up today, with estimates of up to a quarter of a million people thought to be making their way towards Rome and Vatican City to potentially see the white smoke.
Lucky tourists, devoted pilgrims and curious locals will all fill the square and the surrounding areas in anticipation of seeing the white smoke and hearing the announcement: "Habemus Papam".
Why is the pope called the ‘pontiff’?
While we await the smoke signal, here’s an interesting papal tidbit: the pope is commonly called the pontiff, a title rooted in the Latin pontifex, which comes from pons (meaning “bridge”) and facere (“to make” or “to build”).
In other words, the pontiff is viewed as a “bridge-builder” between humanity and the divine—a symbolic link between the earthly and the spiritual.
Age and experience: A mix of youth and wisdom among the cardinal electors
The average age of the 134 cardinal electors is 72, with a notable mix of younger voices and seasoned experience shaping the future of the Catholic Church.
The youngest cardinal is 45-year-old Mikola Bychok of Ukraine, the eparchial bishop of Saints Peter and Paul of Melbourne for Ukrainian Catholics. At the other end of the spectrum is Spain’s Carlos Osoro Sierra, the oldest elector at 79. He will turn 80 on May 16, just days after the conclave begins.
This blend of youth and experience is seen as vital to the Church’s future — offering both fresh perspective and deep institutional knowledge.
Cardinal electors by continent: Europe still leads, but diversity grows
Europe remains the most represented continent in the 2025 conclave, with 52 of the 134 cardinal electors. The Americas follow with 37 — including 16 from North America, 4 from Central America, and 17 from South America.
Asia is represented by 23 cardinals, Africa by 18, and Oceania by 4. This geographic distribution reflects a growing global balance, even as Europe continues to carry significant weight in the election of the new Pope.
Breakdown of cardinal electors:
Europe: 52
Americas: 37
Asia: 23
Africa: 18
Oceania: 4
Total: 134
Why was no Pope elected yesterday?
It's simple, really.
If no decision is reached on day one, the conclave continues with up to four votes per day—two in the morning and two in the afternoon.
The process will continue until one candidate receives at least two-thirds of the vote—89 out of 133 cardinal electors. When that threshold is reached, white smoke will rise above the Sistine Chapel, signaling to the world that a new pope has been chosen.
Smoke signals are typically expected around 12:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. local time (6:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. ET / 3:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. PT).
A confusing, nervous, and ultimately fruitless day at the Vatican was one to remember: here's how it all unfolded at the nerve centre of the Catholic Church.
Today, after the 133 cardinals have all woken up, they will have breakfast and attend Mass this morning before returning to deliberations.
Why was the decision delayed?
People were left waiting all evening for the smoke, which caused a lot of confusion across Rome and the world. Here is the official explanation, from the Vatican, for the delay on the decision:
Here are the reasons:
· The sermon by Raniero Cantalamessa, an Italian cardinal, was longer than expected (between 45 minutes and one hour);
· Several cardinals needed help with the translation.
And we're back...
Hello and welcome to Day 2 of having our eyes fixed firmly on the chimney of the Vatican as the cardinals will vote again to elect a new Pope after black smoke yesterday evening.
The 133 cardinals were locked inside the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday for the first round of conclave voting, which ended with black smoke.
We await to see if, with another round of voting today, there will be a decision.