Monday April 21st, 2025: Cardinal Kevin Farrell (IRE) announces "Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God."

Francis was first elected pope in 2013, following the resignation of Benedict XIV. The first Latino pope, Francis was known for his commitment to the underprivileged, his defense of migrants and refugees and his care for the environment and the threat of climate change. Francis had been hospitalized for over a month for bronchitis in February of 2025 and while many speculated his health was improving, died following an Easter Sunday greeting and a meeting with US Vice President JD Vance.

Tuesday April 29th, 2025: The Papal Conclave is scheduled to start on May 7th, 2025.

Wednesday May 7th, 2025: The Cardinals will enter the Sistine Chapel at 10:15 EST (3:15 BST) and after a Gospel Reflection, all but three non cardinals will leave (the presiding officers) and the Conclave begins.

Wednesday May 7th, 2025:. 3:00 EST- Black Smoke- No Pope

Thursday May 8th, 2025: 5:45 EST- Black Smoke- No Pope

Thursday May 8th, 2025: 12:22 EST- White Smoke- Pope

Thursday May 8th, 2025: 1:30 EST- Bishop Robert Prevost revealed as Pope Leo XIV. He is the first American pope. He was born in Chicago, attended Villanova, spent years as a missionary in Peru, became the prelate of the Augustinian Order, Bishop of Chiclayo, and Prefect of the Dicastery of Bishops (person who trains new bishops). He speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French and Portuguese. Pope Leo XIII was best know for writing Rerum Novarum and his work bringing the Catholic Church into the modern era.