Elect New Pope

In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the 267th Pope, taking the name Leo XIV, and becoming the first American-born pope in the Church’s 2,000-year history on May 8.

Habemus Papam! White smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel at 6:10 p.m. Rome time (9:40 p.m. IST) today, marking the successful election of a new pope — the 267th successor of St. Peter and spiritual leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.

In a deeply prayerful moment for the Catholic Church, Cardinal electors gathered this morning at 10:00 a.m. in St. Peter’s Basilica to celebrate the Missa pro eligendo Romano Pontifice—the Mass for the Election of the Roman Pontiff—just hours before the Conclave to elect the 267th Successor of St. Peter begins.

As the universal Church entered a period of solemn anticipation, the Catholic Bishops of India gathered in Bangalore to offer a Holy Mass for the election of the new Pope.

In a pivotal gathering ahead of the papal conclave, the twelfth and final General Congregation of Cardinals convened on Tuesday May 6 at 9:00 AM in the Vatican.

In a solemn act of preparation for the much-anticipated Conclave, Vatican officials formally sealed the entrances to the Apostolic Palace on the evening of May 6, signaling the Church’s readiness to enter a sacred time of discernment and decision.

As the Catholic Church prepares for the start of the Conclave on Wednesday, May 7, the Holy See Press Office has released detailed media access guidelines for journalists and broadcast teams covering the historic event in St. Peter’s Square.

As the world turns its gaze toward the Vatican in anticipation of the election of the 267th successor of St. Peter, a centuries-old chapel—modest in size but boundless in spiritual power—once again takes center stage.

Some 133 cardinal electors from across the globe will gather for a conclave in the Sistine Chapel to elect the successor to Pope Francis on May 7.

Only five cardinals alive today have the rare distinction of participating in the last two papal conclaves that elected Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis. These same five will now once again take part in the upcoming conclave to elect the next pope.

Preparations for the upcoming papal conclave are underway in the Vatican, as workers have installed the iconic chimney atop the Sistine Chapel—the most recognized symbol of the election process for a new Pope on May 2.

The eighth General Congregation of Cardinals convened this morning in the Vatican, bringing together over 180 Cardinals—more than 120 of them electors—in preparation for the upcoming conclave on May 2.

As the Catholic Church enters a sacred moment of transition following the funeral of Pope Francis, Catholic youth from around the world have issued a powerful joint statement ahead of the conclave, expressing their hopes, prayers, and vision for the future leadership of the Church.

As the Catholic Church prepares for a pivotal moment in its modern history, the upcoming conclave set for May 7 has drawn global attention.

For the first time in Church history, a conclave to elect the next Pope will include more than 120 Cardinal electors.

The College of Cardinals, currently gathered in Rome for General Congregations ahead of the upcoming conclave, has issued a heartfelt appeal to all Catholics around the world to accompany them in prayer.

The College of Cardinals gathered for their sixth General Congregation on April 29, Tuesday morning in the New Synod Hall, where 183 cardinals were present, including over 120 cardinal electors.

Asia has strengthened its influence within the Catholic Church, with 37 cardinals now part of the College of Cardinals as of April 2025, including 23 electors who will participate in the papal conclave set for May 7, 2025.

The conclave to elect the 267th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church will commence on May 7th, 2025, following the Novemdiales Masses for the eternal repose of the late Pope Francis.

As of April 2025, Asia has become a major voice in the Catholic Church, contributing 37 cardinals to the College of Cardinals—23 of whom are electors, eligible to vote in a future papal conclave.