As of 2025, there is no new pope; Pope Francis continues to serve as bishop of Rome and head of the Catholic Church. A papal transition occurs only after the prior pope dies or resigns, followed by a conclave of cardinals that elects a new pope. This status clarifier explains how conclaves work, realistic timelines, recent conclave history, and how to verify authentic news. Understanding these steps and safeguards helps distinguish confirmed information from speculation and rumor.
Current papal status (2025)
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was elected in March 2013 and remains pope in 2025. Unless he resigns or passes away, the see of Rome is not vacant and no conclave has been convened. Official announcements about a new pope occur only after a conclave produces a valid election, typically followed by the appearance of white smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney and the subsequent public proclamation from St. Peter’s Square.
How a papal election works
When the papacy becomes vacant, the College of Cardinals under age 80 gathers in a conclave held in the Vatican’s Domus Sanctae Marthae. Voting occurs in rounds, requiring a two-thirds supermajority to elect a new pope. Procedural details are governed by Universi Dominici Gregis, and the process includes oathtaking, sealed ballots, and multiple daily votes until a result is reached. The dean of the College of Cardinals announces the election; the new pope chooses a regnal name and appears on the balcony to give the Urbi et Orbi blessing.
Steps from vacancy to inauguration
- Formal notification and verification of the prior pope’s death or resignation.
- Summoning cardinals to Rome and settling into consecrated residence.
- Daily ballots until a two-thirds majority is achieved.
- Acceptance of the elected and selection of a regnal name.
- Public appearance and investiture rituals.
Recent conclave history and timelines
The most recent conclave occurred in 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, which produced Pope Francis. Conclaves are uncommon; the last resignation before 2013 was in 1415. Because conclaves can only begin after a vacancy is certain, they are not predictable far in advance. While media may speculate about potential dates or candidates, only the College of Cardinals convenes and votes. Planning for a conclave typically involves months of preparation, but the event itself unfolds on a timeline dictated by canonical and practical considerations.
Practical indicators of a new pope
You can rely on a few verifiable signals that a new pope has been elected:
| Indicator | What to expect | Verification source |
|---|---|---|
| White smoke | Appears from the Sistine Chapel chimney after successful ballot | Vatican communications protocol |
| Black smoke | Continued voting; no election concluded | Vatican communications protocol |
| Announcement from St. Peter’s Square | Dean of the College of Cardinals confirms election and name | Holy See press office |
| Official Holy See website update | d>Profile and official portrait of the new pope published | vatican.va |
| Urbi et Orbi blessing | First papal address to the city and world | Live broadcast from Vatican City |
Common misconceptions and rumor risks
Speculation about papal elections often circulates on social media and through unofficial channels well before a conclave. Rumor risks increase around anniversaries, consistories, or when cardinals travel to Rome. Red flags include unnamed sources, predictions of exact dates, and sensational claims not corroborated by multiple authoritative outlets. The Holy See does not preannounce conclave dates, and no external authority can influence the outcome. When in doubt, wait for official smoke signals and formal announcements.
How to verify news about a new pope
To confirm whether a new pope has been elected, consult primary Vatican channels: the Holy See press office, Vatican.va, the pope’s verified social accounts, and major wire services with Vatican bureaus. Avoid unverified social posts and anonymous tips. A legitimate announcement will include the dean’s statement, details about the new regnal name, and live coverage from Vatican media. Cross-checking across at least two authoritative sources reduces misinformation risk.
Key takeaways
- There is no new pope in 2025; Pope Francis remains in office.
- A conclave can only begin after a vacancy is definitive.
- White smoke and a public announcement are reliable indicators of a new pope.
- Official channels are the best way to verify election results.
- Speculation and rumors are common; rely on authoritative sources.