Just one day after the latest conclave began inside the Sistine Chapel in Rome, the College of Cardinals has already selected a new pope.

Previously, the leading contenders were believed to be Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Cardinal Peter Erdö, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, and Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke.

However, in an unexpected turn, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has now been named as the new leader of the Catholic Church.

Prevost, known for his moderate stance on modern Catholic views, becomes the first pope from the United States, having been born in Chicago.

In keeping with long-standing papal tradition, he has chosen the name Leo, and will henceforth be known as Pope Leo XIV.

The announcement follows the recent death of former Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Sunday (21 April) at the age of 88, after suffering a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure.

A nine-day mourning period was observed, during which preparations began to choose the next spiritual leader of the Church.

Now, just over 24 hours since the conclave began, a successor to Pope Francis has been chosen by the College of Cardinals.

Before a new pope can be declared, they must secure a two-thirds majority vote during the conclave, which includes 133 cardinals from around the world submitting their choice anonymously.

During this sacred process, the cardinals stay at the Casa de Santa Marta, a modest five-story residence near St Peter’s Basilica, where they are completely cut off from the outside world.

In line with tradition, they are prohibited from using phones or reading newspapers, to ensure their decisions remain uninfluenced by external news and events.

The voting takes place up to four times daily until a final choice is made—though no one can ever predict how long the process will take.

This time, however, the election moved quickly, with Church officials reaching a decision by the second day.

Once a candidate accepts the role, as Prevost has, the official announcement is made from the balcony of the church with the words, “Habemus papam”—Latin for “We have a Pope.”