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Habemus Papam! The 2025 Conclave Timeline: When Pope Leo XIV Was Announced

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The world held its breath for a moment of profound spiritual and historical significance, and on May 8, 2025, the wait was finally over. The announcement of a new Roman Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, marked the end of a brief but intense period of *Sede Vacante* following the death of Pope Francis. This transition, which captivated billions of Catholics and observers worldwide, followed a strict, centuries-old protocol, culminating in the election of the first American Pope. This article, updated on December 22, 2025, details the exact timeline of this historic event and provides a complete profile of the new leader of the Catholic Church.

The election of a new Pope is never a matter of simple succession; it is a complex theological and logistical process known as the Papal Conclave. The speed and outcome of the 2025 Conclave, which saw the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, demonstrated the collective desire of the College of Cardinals to quickly establish a new direction for the Church, one that signals continuity with the reforms of his predecessor, Pope Francis. The white smoke that billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney confirmed the election, but the journey to that moment was set in motion weeks earlier.

The New Pope: Biography of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV (Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost)

The man who would become the 267th Bishop of Rome, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, O.S.A., brings a wealth of pastoral and curial experience to the Petrine ministry. His election as Pope Leo XIV is a historic moment, as he is the first American to hold the highest office in the Catholic Church, a fact that has generated excitement and discussion across the globe.

  • Birth Name: Robert Francis Prevost
  • Date of Birth: August 14, 1955
  • Place of Birth: Chicago, Illinois, USA
  • Religious Order: Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.)
  • Key Education: Villanova University (B.S. in Mathematics), Catholic Theological Union in Chicago (M.Div.), Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (J.C.D. in Canon Law).
  • Key Roles Prior to Papacy:
    • Prior General of the Augustinian Order (2001–2013).
    • Bishop of the Diocese of Chiclayo, Peru (2015–2023).
    • Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops (2023–2025). This influential role gave him a deep understanding of the global episcopacy and the challenges facing the Church.
  • Cardinalate: Elevated to Cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023.
  • Papal Name Chosen: Leo XIV.
  • Election Date: May 8, 2025 (Elected on the fourth ballot).
  • Theological Stance: Often described as a "centrist" or "Francis-style" candidate, he is expected to continue the synodal and reform-minded approach of his predecessor, focusing on mercy, evangelization, and the implementation of Vatican II reforms.

The Precise Timeline: From Death to the Habemus Papam Announcement

The process of electing a new Pope is governed by the Apostolic Constitution *Universi Dominici Gregis*. The timeline for the 2025 Conclave was remarkably swift, a testament to the unity among the 135 eligible cardinal electors who gathered in Rome.

Phase 1: The Sede Vacante Period (April 21 – May 6, 2025)

The period of *Sede Vacante* (the vacant See) officially began with the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025. During this time, the ordinary governance of the Church ceases, and the College of Cardinals, led by the Dean, takes over administrative duties. The focus is on preparing for the funeral of the deceased Pope and organizing the Conclave.

  • April 21, 2025: Death of Pope Francis. The Ring of the Fisherman is destroyed, and the Vatican's chief offices are sealed.
  • April 22 – April 28, 2025: Mourning and funeral rites for Pope Francis. His body lies in state at St. Peter's Basilica.
  • April 29 – May 6, 2025: General Congregations of the Cardinals. Cardinals from around the world convene for daily meetings to discuss the needs of the Church and to set the date for the Conclave. The date for the start of the Conclave was officially set for May 7th.

Phase 2: The Conclave and the Election (May 7 – May 8, 2025)

The Papal Conclave is the gathering of all cardinal electors (those under the age of 80) in the Sistine Chapel for the exclusive purpose of electing the new Pope. The cardinals take an oath of absolute secrecy before being cloistered, a tradition that gives the process its name (Latin: *cum clave*, meaning "with a key").

  • May 7, 2025 (Morning): The cardinal electors process into the Sistine Chapel, taking the oath of secrecy. The doors are locked, and the voting process begins.
  • May 7, 2025 (Evening): The first two ballots are held. Black smoke (or no smoke) is observed, signaling that no candidate has yet achieved the necessary two-thirds majority.
  • May 8, 2025 (Morning): The third and fourth ballots are held. Cardinal Prevost gains momentum, ultimately securing the required votes.
  • May 8, 2025 (11:00 AM UTC - Approximate): The Dean of the College of Cardinals asks Cardinal Prevost if he accepts his election. Upon acceptance, he is asked what name he wishes to be called. He chooses Leo XIV.
  • May 8, 2025 (11:15 AM UTC - Approximate): White smoke billows from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling that a new Pope has been elected. The bells of St. Peter's Basilica begin to ring out.

The Announcement: Habemus Papam and the Inauguration

The moment the world had been waiting for arrived shortly after the white smoke. The announcement is made from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, known as the Loggia of the Blessings. This traditional proclamation, *Habemus Papam* ("We have a Pope"), is delivered in Latin by the Cardinal Protodeacon.

The Proclamation of Pope Leo XIV

The Cardinal Protodeacon, Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, stepped onto the balcony to deliver the momentous words, officially announcing the new Pontiff to the cheering crowds in St. Peter’s Square and the world. The announcement was a moment of intense joy and anticipation, especially for the American faithful.

Following the proclamation, Pope Leo XIV appeared on the balcony to give his first address and impart the traditional *Urbi et Orbi* (to the City and the World) blessing. His appearance, following the shortest conclave in recent memory, was seen as a powerful start to his Petrine ministry.

What Happens Next? The Early Days of a Papacy

With the announcement made, the focus immediately shifted to the new Pope's agenda and the formal beginning of his reign. The official inauguration of the Petrine ministry, a solemn Mass, was scheduled to take place ten days after his election, a period intended for prayer, reflection, and the new Pope’s initial meetings with key Vatican officials, including the Secretary of State and the Prefect of the Papal Household.

Pope Leo XIV's early actions have been closely scrutinized, with many observers noting his commitment to continuing the Church's outreach to the poor and marginalized, a hallmark of the Francis papacy. The selection of the name "Leo" is interpreted by many as a nod to powerful, reforming Popes of the past, suggesting a papacy that will be both pastoral and authoritative in its governance of the global Church. The election has already sparked a renewed conversation about the universality and future direction of the Catholic faith.

when will the new pope be announced
when will the new pope be announced

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