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What made the 2025 conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV historically distinctive?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Cardinals of the Catholic Church, dressed in red, sit at long tables in the Sistine Chapel during the 2005 papal election conclave, surrounded by ornate frescoed walls.
papal conclave Cardinals assembled inside the Sistine Chapel of the Vatican Palace for a conclave to elect a new pope; Vatican City, 2005.

The 2025 papal conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV was historically distinctive for several reasons:

  • First American Pope: Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected as the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church.12
  • First Augustinian Pope: Leo XIV is the first member of the Augustinian order to serve as pope.2
  • Record Number of Electors: It marked the first time in history that the number of cardinal-electors participating in a conclave exceeded 120, with 133 cardinals taking part.1
  • Unprecedented Diversity: The 2025 election was the most diverse in history, featuring cardinals from more than 70 countries.1