The new pope is Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who has taken the papal name Leo XIV. He is the first pope in history from the United States. His election was announced on May 8, 2025, from the central loggia of Saint Peter's Basilica by Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti with the traditional "Habemus Papam" formula

. Before his election, Prevost was considered one of the key candidates for the papacy among about 135 cardinal electors who gathered for the conclave following Pope Francis' death

. His election marks a historic moment as the first American pope.