There is already a new pope of the Catholic Church: the Vatican has just confirmed the name.

The Catholic Church has just chosen the successor to Pope Francis. It is the American cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who has received the necessary votes to be crowned as the new bishop of Rome this Thursday, May 8, 2025. The election of the new Pope has been announced with the traditional white smoke and the bells in the Vatican, which has sparked euphoria among the faithful.

The new Pontiff is the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church and has been announced by the cardinal protodeacon Dominique Mamberti. He has pronounced the traditional Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum, habemus Papam. He then confirmed that the new Pope will be called Pope Leo XIV.

Let's remember that the first meeting of the cardinals was held this past Wednesday, May 7, although there was no consensus. The entire process has been broadcast live worldwide, as has been happening since the conclave that chose Benedict XVI. The faithful have been able to witness, for example, the pro eligendo romano pontifice mass and the procession of the cardinals to the Sistine Chapel.

The conclave has gathered 133 cardinals from around the world

In total, 133 cardinals from 70 countries across all continents were called to attend the conclave to choose the new Pope. Let's remember that not all had the right to vote, as it is mandatory for them to be under 80 years old. Thus, among the 252 members that the College of Cardinals had at the death of Pope Francis, only 135 had the right to vote.

The number was finally reduced to just 133 cardinals, as for health reasons two of them could not travel to Rome. These are Cardinal Antonio Cañizares, emeritus archbishop of Valencia, and Cardinal John Njue, emeritus archbishop of Nairobi (Kenya).

It should be remembered that the election of the new Pope of the Catholic Church has been in the hands of the cardinals since the year 1059. Before, the election was carried out by the clergy and the parishioners, which led to numerous problems. Beyond the controversies and conflicts, in the history of the church, we even find cases of antipopes.

An average age of 70 years among cardinals with the right to vote

This year, the average age of cardinals with the right to vote has been 70 years, although several nuances must be made in this regard. For example, only 58 cardinals are under 70 years old, and among all of them, 34 are under 65 years old. Additionally, in this conclave, 13 cardinals aged 79 have participated, of which a total of 9 turn 80 this 2025.

By origin, Italy remains the country from which most of the elector members of the College of Cardinals come. In total, 17 cardinals with the right to vote come from the Italian country. Next, we find the United States, with 10 elector cardinals, and Brazil, with 7 elector cardinals.