Papal conclave ends on second day, in line with two centuries of tradition
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The 2025 conclave ended Thursday on its second day when white smoke over the Vatican signaled that the Catholic Church has a new pope.
The big picture: While Catholic cardinals have previously taken up to half a year to elect a new pope, no conclave has lasted longer than four days in nearly two centuries. 2025's was no exception.
Driving the news: The conclave began on Wednesday, and no pope was selected on the first ballot.
- The newly elected pope has not yet been publicly named.
Context: Pope Francis died on April 21 at 88 years old, ending a papacy focused on advocating for marginalized groups.
- He was elected on the second day of the 2013 conclave.
State of play: Francis elevated 80% of the cardinals picking his successor.
- To become pontiff, a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority vote of cardinal electors.
Go deeper: Here's how the Catholic Church will choose a new pope
