As the Catholic Church mourns the passing of Pope Francis, preparations are underway for the papal conclave that will elect his successor. The late pontiff, who died on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, was remembered fondly by the cardinals who gathered in Rome for a series of meetings leading up to the conclave.
Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco, archbishop of Algiers, Algeria, expressed the sentiment shared among the cardinals, stating, "We are not yet speaking about the conclave or the succession; we are still speaking about Pope Francis, we are still crying for Pope Francis." He was one of the last cardinals appointed by Pope Francis, created in December 2024.
The cardinals began their meetings at the Vatican on April 24, 2025, with general congregations taking place in the Synod Hall. These closed-door discussions will continue until the conclave begins, which is expected no earlier than May 5, 2025. During this period, cardinals under the age of 80 will enter lockdown, isolated from the outside world until a new pope is elected.
Cardinal Fernando Chomalí, the only Chilean cardinal eligible to vote in the conclave, remarked on the overwhelming turnout of mourners in Rome, noting that over 48,000 people had already entered St. Peter’s Basilica to pay their respects as of April 24. "We are also sad, but we must carry on, because he believed in the Resurrection, and he is now living what he preached his entire life. For us, this is an important message," he said.
According to Cardinal Fernando Filoni, the grand master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, the current phase is still in its "organizational stage" rather than a decisive one. He also mentioned the controversial case of Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who was convicted of embezzlement in 2023 but remains eligible to participate in pre-conclave discussions. "It will be discussed; I cannot say what will happen," Filoni said regarding Becciu's potential involvement.
As the cardinals prepare for the conclave, the process of electing a new pope will follow a centuries-old tradition. The conclave, which translates to "a private room" in Latin, will bring together approximately 135 cardinal electors from around the world, of which 108 were appointed by Pope Francis during his 12-year papacy. These cardinals hail from 71 different countries, with ten from the United States.
The conclave must commence within 15 to 20 days following the pope's death, placing its start date between May 6 and May 11, 2025. The voting process requires a two-thirds plus-one majority for a candidate to be elected. This means that the cardinals will engage in a series of secret ballots, with four votes held each day—two in the morning and two in the afternoon.
Historically, the conclave can last anywhere from a few days to several years. The longest conclave on record lasted nearly three years, culminating in the election of Pope Gregory X in 1271. In contrast, the conclave that elected Pope Francis in 2013 took just one day and five ballots.
During the voting, if no candidate receives the requisite majority, the ballots are burned, producing black smoke that signals to the world that the election is ongoing. Once a new pope is chosen, white smoke will rise from the Sistine Chapel's chimney, accompanied by the ringing of bells, indicating that a decision has been reached.
Once the cardinals agree on a candidate, the senior cardinal will ask the chosen individual if he accepts the role. Should he respond affirmatively with the Latin word "Accepto," he will be taken to the Stanza delle Lacrime, or Room of Tears, to don the papal vestments and choose his papal name.
Following the announcement of the new pope, he will step onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to greet the faithful, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the Catholic Church. The excitement surrounding the conclave is palpable, with many speculating on potential successors.
Among the leading candidates are Cardinal Pietro Parolin, a close aide to Pope Francis and the current Secretary of State; Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi, known for his diplomatic missions; Cardinal Louis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines, often referred to as "Francis in Asia"; and Cardinal Peter Turkson from Ghana. If elected, any of these candidates would make history as the first Asian or first sub-Saharan pope.
The upcoming conclave is not just a moment of transition but also a time for reflection on Pope Francis's legacy, which emphasized communion, fraternity, and a commitment to the marginalized. As the cardinals gather to elect the 267th leader of the Catholic Church, the world watches closely, eager to see who will carry forward the torch of leadership in these challenging times.
As the Catholic community prepares for this significant event, the mourning for Pope Francis continues, intertwined with hope for the future of the Church.
