The new pope was elected during a conclave held on May 7 and May 8, 2025. The conclave began on May 7 in the Sistine Chapel with about 135 cardinal electors participating. After several rounds of voting, on the afternoon of May 8, white smoke signaled the election of the new pope. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, an American, was elected and took the papal name Leo XIV. He is the first American pope in history. The election process started 16 days after the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, with the voting process requiring a two-thirds majority from the cardinal electors.