How old is Leo XIV? A look at the ages of Francis, Benedict XVI, and John Paul II when they became Pope

On May 8, white smoke once again rose over Rome, signaling the election of a new Pope at the Vatican.

Leo XIV, aged 69, now steps into the role with hopes of matching the legacy of his beloved predecessor.

WATCH LIVE: Pope Leo XIV’s first mass

Francisco: elected at 76 years old

Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected Pope on March 13, 2013, at the age of 76. Hailing from Argentina, he became the first Latin American Pope—and the first Jesuit—to ascend to the throne of St. Peter.

His age at election brought a sense of pastoral wisdom and maturity, aligning with his mission to lead the Church through a period of moral and structural reform.

Benedict XVI: elected at 78 years old

Joseph Ratzinger was elected on April 19, 2005, at 78 years old—one of the oldest Popes to be chosen in the modern era.

A renowned theologian and close confidant of John Paul II, Benedict represented doctrinal continuity. In 2013, he shocked the world by stepping down voluntarily—the first papal resignation in over six centuries.

John Paul II: elected at only 58 years old

Karol Wojtyła was elected on October 16, 1978, at the age of 58. He was the first non-Italian Pope in more than 450 years and one of the youngest of the 20th century.

His papacy would become one of the longest and most influential in modern history, shaping both the Church and global politics—particularly in Eastern Europe.