New Pope Chosen to Lead the Catholic Church

May 8, 2025

In a historic moment for the world's 1.3 billion Catholics, white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel yesterday , signaling that the College of Cardinals has elected a new pope to lead the Roman Catholic Church. Cardinal Francis Prevost, who has taken the papal name Leo XIV, becomes the 267th pope in the Church's 2,000-year history.

 The Election

The conclave which began at the early hours of Wednesday 7th May 2025 with 133 cardinal electors gathering in the Sistine Chapel. After less than two days and five ballots, the two-thirds majority required for election was achieved. The white smoke appeared at approximate 5:20 PM local time, drawing cheers from the thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square.

Cardinal Francis, which as at this day is 69 years old, from Chicago USA, was speculated by a lot to be the successor of pope Francis heading into the conclave. His election comes just eighteen days after the death of Pope Francis.

 The New Pope

Pope Leo XIV is the first pope from USA, signaling the election of the first American pontiff.

From the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, the new pope greeted the thousands of believes present at the st Peter square and also gave his first blessing, "Urbi et Orbi"

Reactions and Expectations

Religious and political leaders worldwide have offered congratulations, including the president of the United States of America, the president of Italy among others.

What's Next?

The new pope will be formally installed during an inauguration Mass at the Vatican which is scheduled to about a week from today.  In the coming week, Pope Leo is expected to appoint key advisors and begin outlining his vision for the Church.

As Catholics worldwide celebrate this transition of leadership, many will be watching closely for early indications of how the new pontiff will address the challenges of the world including the war between Israel and Gaza, Ukraine and Russia among numerous global peace works and lead the global Church in the years ahead.

This article combines reports from multiple news sources covering the 2025 papal conclave.