Pope Francis died on 21 April 2025. Less than three weeks later, Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected as his successor, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. Thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square. The world watched live as white smoke rose over Rome.
The Vatican managed a global leadership transition, a high-security funeral, a media-saturated election and mass crowd control – all in under 20 days. What’s more, they managed to maintain an air of mystery and ritual.
Here’s a timeline of events:
21 April 2025 – Death of Pope Francis
Pope Francis died at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke and cardiac arrest.
He passed away at the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta residence. His death triggered the standard sede vacante period – when the papal seat is officially vacant – and initiated the transition process outlined in Vatican law.
22-25 April 2025 – Public viewing
St. Peter’s Basilica remained open overnight to accommodate the influx of mourners wishing to pay their respects, with over 50,000 visitors in the first 12 hours. The Vatican coordinated with Italian authorities to manage the large crowds and ensure safety, according to Spectrum News.
22 April-6 May 2025 – General Congregations
Cardinals from around the world gathered in Rome for daily pre-conclave meetings known as General Congregations. Over 180 cardinals attended. Preferences and alliances about who the new Pope should be began to form.
7 May 2025 – Commencement of the Conclave
The 133 eligible cardinal-electors were formally locked into the Sistine Chapel under strict secrecy. Electronic devices were banned and communication with the outside world was cut off. After the first ballot, black smoke appeared from the chapel’s chimney, signalling that the electors had not yet found a result.
8 May 2025 – Election of Pope Leo XIV
White smoke appeared from the Sistine Chapel at 11:42am local time, which indicated that the Vatican had made a decision. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago was elected and took the name Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first American-born Pope in history.
9 May 2025 – First Mass and public engagements
Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Mass as pontiff in the Sistine Chapel with the College of Cardinals. This is a tradition known as the Missa pro Ecclesia — the Mass for the Church. He is expected to deliver his first Sunday noon blessing from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica.
