The next pope has been elected as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost from the United States, who took the papal name Leo XIV. He is the first American pope in history

. Before the conclave, several cardinals were considered frontrunners and strong contenders, including:

• Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy), the Vatican's Secretary of State, widely regarded as a leading candidate and a "continuity candidate" for Pope Francis' agenda. He is a seasoned diplomat and has managed Vatican relations globally

• Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines), a progressive figure with a strong following among reform-minded cardinals, known for his advocacy on social justice and inclusivity

• Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy), seen as a likely continuity candidate close to Pope Francis, with strong ties to social service groups and experience as a peace envoy

• Cardinal Peter Erdo (Hungary), considered a traditionalist but respected by liberals, potentially a unifying figure within the Church

The conclave was unpredictable, with a diverse College of Cardinals representing a broad global perspective, and less than half being European for the first time

. Ultimately, Cardinal Prevost was chosen as the new pope, marking a historic moment for the Catholic Church