Francis may have been globally admired, but within the church hierarchy he was a polarizing figure. This could have resulted in a drawn-out voting process as diverse groups within the electorate struggle to find common ground.

Former Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States was selected Thursday by the papal conclave to succeed Pope Francis and lead the Roman Catholic Church. The new pontiff, who has taken the name Leo XIV,

The 2025 papal conclave at the Vatican ended with the election of American-born Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV. Here's what to know about him.