On May 7, 2025, 133 Catholic cardinals from around the world will enter a conclave in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel to elect a successor to Pope Francis, who died on April 21, 2025, at age 88. The gathering, the largest and most diverse in the Church’s history, follows a nine-day mourning period and extensive preparatory meetings known as general congregations, where cardinals discussed the challenges facing the 1.4 billion-member Catholic Church.
The conclave, beginning Wednesday afternoon, is a secretive process guided by centuries-old traditions, with electors sequestered until a candidate secures a two-thirds majority, signaled by white smoke from the chapel’s chimney. The unprecedented number of electors—exceeding the usual 120 limit due to an exemption granted by Pope Francis—reflects the global reach of the Church under his papacy, with cardinals hailing from approximately 70 countries across five continents.
The conclave comes at a pivotal moment for the Church, with debates over whether the next pope will continue Francis’ progressive reforms, such as his outreach to marginalized groups and emphasis on social justice, or adopt a more conservative stance. Among the leading candidates, or “papabili,” are Cardinal Pietro Parolin, 70, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, seen as a moderate diplomat, and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, 67, of the Philippines, known for his compassion and inclusivity.
Other names, including Italian Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Hungarian Cardinal Péter Erdő, have also surfaced, though historical precedent suggests a surprise candidate could emerge, as seen with Francis’ election in 2013. The cardinals face pressing issues, including the Church’s response to artificial intelligence, ongoing sex abuse scandals, climate change, and interreligious dialogue, as highlighted by electors like Canadian Cardinal Michael Czerny and Haitian Cardinal Chibly Langlois.
Preparations for the conclave have been meticulous, with Vatican staff sworn to secrecy under threat of excommunication. The Sistine Chapel has been closed to the public, and cardinals will reside in St. Martha’s House, a guest residence within Vatican walls, during the voting process. Notably, Italian Cardinal Angelo Becciu, convicted of financial crimes in 2023, withdrew from the conclave, a decision acknowledged by his peers amid ongoing appeals in his case.
The conclave’s outcome will shape the Church’s direction for years, with cardinals under pressure to select a leader capable of uniting a diverse global flock while addressing modern challenges. While some predict a swift resolution, citing the two-day conclave that elected Francis, others warn that deep divisions could prolong the process, making this one of the most consequential papal elections in decades.
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