The last pope was elected on 8 May 2025, when Cardinal Robert Prevost was chosen and took the name Pope Leo XIV.

Quick answer

  • Date of last papal election: 8 May 2025
  • New pope’s name: Pope Leo XIV (born Robert Prevost)
  • Context: He succeeded Pope Francis, who had been elected on 13 March 2013 and led the Church until his death in 2025.

What happened in 2025?

After the death of Pope Francis in 2025, the College of Cardinals gathered in a conclave in the Sistine Chapel to elect his successor, following the usual modern procedures (secrecy, cardinals under 80 voting, two‑thirds majority, etc.). On 8 May 2025, white smoke from the Sistine Chapel signaled that a new pope had been chosen, and Robert Prevost accepted his election and took the papal name Leo XIV.

In short: if you’re asking “when was the last pope elected,” the answer is 8 May 2025, with the election of Pope Leo XIV.

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