2025 conclave

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

2025 conclave

Role / Field:

The 2025 Conclave: Election of the successor to Pope Francis.

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Foundations

A conclave was held on 7 and 8 May 2025 to elect a new pope to succeed Francis, who had died on 21 April 2025. Of the 135 eligible cardinal electors, all but two attended. On the fourth ballot, the conclave elected Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. After accepting his election, he took the name Leo XIV.

Key Developments & Impact

The papal election process proper began sixteen days after the 21 April 2025 death of Pope Francis. As in the 2013 conclave, the dean and vice-dean of the College of Cardinals were both over 80 and ineligible to participate. In 2025, these were Giovanni Battista Re and Leonardo Sandri, respectively. The most senior elector under 80, Pietro Parolin, who was also Cardinal Secretary of State, presided over the 2025 conclave. According to John Paul II's 1996 apostolic constitution Universi Dominici gregis, as amended by Benedict XVI's 2013 apostolic letter Normas nonnullas, the cardinals had at least 15 days after the Holy See became vacant to convene.

Enduring Legacy

The cardinals had the discretion to start the conclave earlier or up to 20 days...

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1996: 1996 Milestone — According to John Paul II's 1996 apostolic constitution Universi Dominici gregis, as amended by Benedict XVI's 2013 apostolic letter Normas nonnullas, the cardinals had at least 15 days after the Holy See became vacant to convene.
2. 2013: 2013 Milestone — As in the 2013 conclave, the dean and vice-dean of the College of Cardinals were both over 80 and ineligible to participate.
3. 2025: 2025 Milestone — A conclave was held on 7 and 8 May 2025 to elect a new pope to succeed Francis, who had died on 21 April 2025.

Notable Quotes by 2025 conclave

“The conclave was held on 7 and 8 May 2025 to elect a new pope.” (2025)

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: 2025 conclave

True or False: “The papal election process must begin exactly 15 days after the Holy See becomes vacant.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The cardinals have the discretion to convene the conclave at least 15 days after the vacancy, but they can start up to 20 days earlier.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Alasdair MacIntyre — Historical peer (Died in 2025) (2025): Influential Scottish-American philosopher known for virtue ethics and political theory.
• Alfred Brendel — Historical peer (Died in 2025) (2025): Czech-born Austrian pianist, composer, and scholar renowned for Beethoven.
• Aaron Swartz — Historical peer (Died in 2013) (2013): Pioneering programmer, activist, and hacktivist known for RSS, Markdown, and progressive organizing.
• Ada Louise Huxtable — Historical peer (Died in 2013) (2013): Pioneering American architecture critic who elevated urban design to public discourse.
• 6ix9ine — Historical peer (Born in 1996) (1996): American rapper known for aggressive style and controversial public persona.
• A'ja Wilson — Historical peer (Born in 1996) (1996): Elite American WNBA star known for multiple MVP awards and championship success.

Frequently Asked Questions about 2025 conclave