The New Pope: What to Know

The year 2025 has been momentous for Italy and the global Catholic community, marked with both mourning and celebration. Since December 24th, 2024, the country has been hosting the Jubilee, a once-in-25-year event drawing millions of travelers to Rome, while coping with the death of Pope Francis. His passing in April 2025 marked the beginning of a new chapter, with the election of a new Pope, Pope Leo XIV. Whether you’re venturing to Italy for spiritual reasons, to explore famous landmarks like the Sistine Chapel, or simply to take in this country’s magnificent beauty, our detailed guide offers everything you need to know about the new Pope and this pivotal moment in history.

How Do They Choose a New Pope?

The traditional process for selecting the new Pope takes place inside the Vatican, as shown on our informative map of Rome. The sequence of events is as follows:

• After a Pope dies, cardinals gather together in a “Papal Conclave” 15 to 20 days later.
• Only Catholic cardinals under the age of 80 can vote, and only 120 voting cardinals are allowed.
• The conclave takes place inside the Sistine Chapel, where secrecy and religious reflection are crucial.
• Cardinals vote until one of the new Pope candidates receives a two-thirds majority plus one.
• White smoke from the chapel’s chimney signals that a new Pope has been chosen.

Following this, the new Pope steps onto the balcony of the grand St. Peter’s Basilica to greet the public for the first time.

How Long Does It Take to Elect a New Pope?

There’s no fixed timeline for choosing a Pope. Essentially, a combination of tradition and spiritual reflection guides the process.

• If the cardinals don’t choose a candidate in the first round, they continue voting the next day.
• From day two onward, there are two voting sessions each day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
• The conclave continues, no matter how long it takes, until the cardinals elect a new Pope.

In fact, the shortest conclave in history lasted just 10 hours, while the longest stretched nearly three years!

Who Is the New Pope?

On May 8, 2025, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was officially elected the new Pope 2025, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.

There are various aspects that make him a unique Pope:

• Dual Citizenship: The new Pope holds both American and Peruvian citizenship.
• Missionary Background: He spent years serving communities across South America.
• Academic Excellence: Pope Leo XIV is a trained mathematician with exceptional expertise.
• Multicultural: Fluent in several languages, the Pope unites diverse global communities.

Additionally, Pope Leo XIV is expected to continue Pope Francis’s legacy, especially in areas such as inclusion and environmental responsibility.

The 2025 Jubilee: A Once-In-A-Generation Experience

Coinciding with the papal transition is the Rome Jubilee 2025, a Holy Year celebrated every 25 years in the Catholic Church. Declared by the Pope, the Jubilee is a time of pilgrimage, repentance, and spiritual renewal. Millions of pilgrims pass through the Holy Doors of the city’s four major basilicas, including St. Peter’s Basilica, a symbolic act believed to bring special grace.

Travel Tips for Visiting Rome During the Jubilee Year

If you’re planning a trip to Italy, especially Rome, during the Jubilee year, these essential guidelines will ensure you make the most of your vacation:

• Organize in Advance: Hotels and tours tend to fill up quickly due to high demand. Therefore, it’s best to secure your spot in advance.
• Anticipate Crowds: Expect increased foot traffic at popular attractions throughout Rome and Vatican City.
• Practice Patience: While enhanced security and extra transportation are in place, lines may still be quite long.
• Book a Rome Package Tour: Let us handle all logistics so you can focus on enjoying a stress-free, meaningful journey.

To help you prepare for your adventure, check out our ultimate Rome travel guide, packed with insider tips on this remarkable city, from its delicious cuisine and sensational attractions like the Colosseum to intriguing cultural performances and captivating museums.

Discover Centuries of History with Tourist Italy

During this period, travelers to Rome should expect large crowds due to the election of the new Pope and the Jubilee. As a result, several must-see attractions may have limited availability. We offer a range of Rome Day Tours, such as our Rome Street Food Tour, where you’ll stroll through Rome’s traditional streets while savoring the city’s mouthwatering delicacies. For those planning a multi-day journey, consider enhancing your vacation with one of our Rome Package Tours. Also, to further enrich your trip, you can explore other magnificent Italian cities through our Italy Package Tours. We handle all of the logistics, including inclusive transfers, terrific hotels, exciting itineraries, and expert tour guides, guaranteeing your getaway is everything you’ve dreamed of.

In addition, why settle for the ordinary when you can experience the Vatican like a true insider? With our Vatican Tours, we ensure seamless access to renowned landmarks, like the Vatican Museums, even if Vatican tickets are sold out. From the moment you book with us, we take care of every detail, eliminating the stress of coordinating everything yourself. Instead, you can relax and fully immerse yourself in Italy’s charming atmosphere, impressive art, and fascinating history.

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