American cardinals who voted in the conclave played down the significance of the new pope ’s roots in the United States, saying his service to the poor and the church had propelled him to the papacy. Pope Francis died in April 2025 at 88. Find out who is the new pope that the cardinals elected in May 2025 . Newly elected Pope Leo XIV appears at the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. (AP Photo) Papal Conclave 2025 Live Updates: US Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected the new pope and leader of the Roman Catholic Church on Thursday and has taken the name Pope Leo XIV a senior cardinal announced to crowds in St. Peter’s Square. White smoke was seen emerging from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican just moments back. Black Smoke Seen Earlier: Earlier in the day, black ... White smoke signaled from Vatican: Who is the new pope of the Catholic Church? Here's what time, how to watch announcement on TV live stream now.
