By: Caroline Polen

The Catholic Church lost Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, who passed away at the age of 88. He made history in 2013 as the first non-European pope since Gregory III, according to an article from Holy Name of Jesus. 

Known for his humility, emphasis on social justice, and outreach to marginalized communities, Pope Francis’s legacy left a significant mark on the Church and the world.

“I was sad when I heard Pope Francis died,” Ella Kosins, sophomore at BHS said. “I know he meant a lot to a lot of people, especially Catholics.”

With the death of Pope Francis, the process of selecting a new pope, known as the papal conclave, began on May 7, 2025. 

The conclave is a highly secretive gathering of cardinals under the age of 80, known as electors, who are responsible for electing the new pope.

During the conclave, the electors meet in the Sistine Chapel, where they take an oath of secrecy. They vote by secret ballot, and a two-thirds majority is required to elect a new pope.

If no candidate receives the necessary majority, the ballots are burned, producing black smoke through a chimney over the chapel. Once a new pope is elected, the ballots are burned with chemicals to produce white smoke, signaling to the world that a new pope has been chosen, according to an article from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. 

While any baptized Catholic male is technically eligible to become pope, in practice, the pope is chosen from the College of Cardinals. Several cardinals were considered potential candidates to succeed Pope Francis. 

On May 8, 2025, the Vatican announced the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the new pope, marking a historic moment as he became the first American pontiff in the Church’s history. He chose the name Leo XIV.

In his inaugural address, Pope Leo XIV called for unity, peace, and support for the marginalized, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and charity in addressing global challenges. His message resonated with many, particularly in the United States and Latin America, where his background and commitment to social justice are well-regarded according to an article by CNN World.

Pope Leo XIV’s election signifies a new chapter for the Catholic Church, reflecting a blend of tradition and a forward-looking approach to the Church’s role in the modern world.