At the end of the 2025 papal conclave, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected pope on the fourth ballot after less than two days of voting by 133 cardinal electors. He accepted his election and chose the papal name Leo XIV. Prevost's election was supported broadly by South American and Anglosphere cardinals, with key endorsements including Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Timothy Dolan. The conclave followed traditional rituals, including the burning of ballots that produced black smoke when no pope was elected in earlier rounds. Once Prevost received more than the required two-thirds majority (over 89 votes), the senior cardinal asked if he accepted and what name he would take, which concluded the conclave

. Separately, in the political thriller film Conclave , the ending depicts a fictional papal election where Cardinal Vincent Benitez, a surprise candidate and a progressive figure, is elected pope. The film explores secretive and controversial aspects of the cardinals and the election process, culminating in Benitez's election as Pope Innocent, a character revealed to have been born intersex. This fictional ending symbolizes themes of progress and compassion within the Church

. In summary, the real 2025 conclave ended with Cardinal Prevost becoming Pope Leo XIV, while the film Conclave ends with a fictional, unexpected pope election highlighting deeper symbolic meanings.