May 30, 2025 - The Vatican announced Monday that the conclave to elect Pope Francis’ successor will begin on May 7, as the Church...

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May 9, 2025 - The 133 cardinal electors will shortly return to the Sistine Chapel to commence the second day of the conclave after black smoke billowed from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel last night.

May 12, 2025 - Pope Leo XIV was elected as the Catholic Church's 267th leader on Thursday.

May 7, 2025 - More than 130 cardinals from all over the world are gathering today for the papal conclave, through which a new head of the Catholic Church is elected.

Latest news on the conclave that chose American Cardinal Robert Prevost to succeed Pope Francis as leader of the Catholic Church. He took the name Pope Leo XIV.

May 25, 2025 - Mr. Prevost said he usually spoke by phone with his brother every night, but had not talked to him since the conclave began. He said the new pope was “simple, really. He’s not going to go out for a 19-course meal.” Last August, Mr.

Black smoke billows from the chimney on the Sistine Chapel May 8, 2025, on the second day of the conclave. (CNS/Lola Gomez) What happened during the break for lunch would remain one of those deeply spiritual turning points no one can fully trace — and yet everyone remembers.

May 9, 2025 - Large crowds celebrate on St Peter's Square as they witness white smoke after a new pope is elected at the conclave on May 8, 2025 in Vatican City.

July 30, 2025 - Thursday's live updates have ended. Follow live updates from Friday, May 9, 2025. Cardinal Robert Prevost has taken the name Leo XIV. The Chicago-born missionary who spent his career ministering in Peru and took over the Vatican’s powerful office of bishops was elected the first pope from the United States in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church.

May 30, 2025 - The crowd erupts in jubilation as the announcement echoes across St. Peter’s Square. The conclave has concluded after requiring six ballots to reach the necessary two-thirds majority. BREAKING!

May 7, 2025 - Read what you missed below and follow Thursday's live coverage. Black smoke poured out of the Sistine Chapel chimney, indicating no pope was elected on the first ballot of the conclave to choose a new leader of the Catholic Church.

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