Papal conclave elects Pope: The sacred process begins as 133 cardinal electors gather in the Sistine Chapel to choose the next pontiff. After Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, this event, which will take place against the breathtaking backdrop of Michelangelo’s paintings, will choose the new head of state for the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
The conclave is a very private affair. The cardinals will enter seclusion and isolate themselves from the outside world to vote in secret until they choose a new pope. Burning ballots after each vote to indicate the result—white smoke for a new pope, and black smoke for no decision—could take days.
There is much speculation about who will fill Pope Francis’ shoes. Among the leading candidates are Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Pope Francis’ secretary of state, known for his balanced approach; Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines, a progressive voice; and Cardinal Péter Erdő from Hungary, a conservative favorite.
The church has several challenges, like as financial issues and the fallout from its sex abuse crisis. The ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, as well as global issues like migration and climate change, will also be challenges for the incoming pope.
The cardinals are the subject of intense international scrutiny notwithstanding the conclave’s secrecy. They will be surrounded by pilgrims, tourists, and members of the media when they enter the Sistine Chapel, all of whom are excited to see this momentous occasion. Their choice will have an impact on the geopolitical environment in addition to the future of the Catholic Church.
Source: NBC News
