The conclave to elect the new pope began on May 7, 2025. The election process lasted two days, and on May 8, 2025, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the new pope. He took the papal name Leo XIV and became the first American-born pope. The announcement of his election was made from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, followed by his first public appearance and blessing to the crowd gathered in St. Peter's Square. The conclave involved about 135 cardinals under the age of 80, who cast votes requiring a two-thirds majority to select the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church. White smoke emitted from the Sistine Chapel chimney signaled the successful election of Pope Leo XIV. The conclave was notably the first since the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, and took place about 16 days after his passing, which aligns with the traditional timeline for papal elections.