On 7 May, Rome’s College of Cardinals announced a swift conclusion to the latest conclave – which kicked off on Monday, and followed the passing of 88-year-old former leader Pope Francis on Easter Monday (21 April).
Although many spectators initially placed their bets on the likes of Pietro Parolin, Luis Antonio Tagle, Peter Erdö, Matteo Zuppi or Raymond Leo as Francis’ successor, American-born Cardinal Robert Prevost was announced as the election victor.