On May 7, 2025, the Vatican initiated the papal conclave to elect the 267th pope, following the death of Pope Francis on April 21. The conclave, held in the Sistine Chapel, is a centuries-old tradition where cardinal electors convene in secrecy to choose the new leader of the Catholic Church.
The first day concluded with black smoke billowing from the chapel's chimney at 9:00 p.m. local time, signaling that no candidate secured the required two-thirds majority vote. This outcome was anticipated, as the initial vote often serves as a preliminary assessment of potential candidates' support.
A total of 133 cardinal electors under the age of 80 are participating in this conclave, representing a diverse array of countries and cultures. Notably, this is the largest conclave in history, reflecting the global nature of the Catholic Church.
Among the prominent candidates are Cardinal Pietro Parolin of Italy, the Vatican's Secretary of State, and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, known for his progressive views aligned with Pope Francis's vision. Other potential successors include cardinals from France, Hungary, the United States, and various parts of Africa and Asia.
The conclave follows strict protocols to maintain confidentiality, including the seclusion of cardinals within the Vatican and the use of signal jamming to prevent external communication. Any breach of secrecy is met with severe penalties, emphasizing the solemnity of the process.
As the world watches, the conclave will resume with up to four voting rounds each day—two in the morning and two in the afternoon—until a new pope is elected. The appearance of white smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney will announce the successful selection of the new pontiff.
The 2025 papal conclave marks a significant moment for the Catholic Church, as it seeks a leader to guide its 1.4 billion followers worldwide. The process, steeped in tradition and conducted with utmost secrecy, underscores the gravity of choosing a pope who embodies the Church's values and vision for the future.
