On May 7, 2025, the conclave to elect the successor of Pope Francis officially commenced in the Vatican, following the pope's death on April 21 at the age of 88. The conclave, which is the largest and most international ever organized, features 133 cardinals from 70 countries, marking a significant moment in the history of the Catholic Church.
The solemn proceedings began with a mass at St. Peter's Basilica on the morning of May 7, presided over by the dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re. During his homily, Re emphasized the importance of choosing a pope who can guide the Church during these challenging times, stating, "the Church and humanity need a leader in this difficult, complex, and troubled moment in history." Following the mass, the cardinals gathered for prayer in the Pauline Chapel before entering the Sistine Chapel, where they would be isolated from the outside world during the voting process.
As the doors of the Sistine Chapel closed around 5 PM GMT, the cardinals took an oath to keep the proceedings confidential, under the threat of excommunication if they revealed any details. This ancient ritual, established by Pope Gregory X in 1274 to expedite the election process, has been a hallmark of papal elections for centuries.
After the intense preparations, the first round of voting took place on the evening of May 7. However, black smoke emerged from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel around 9 PM, signaling that no consensus had been reached among the cardinals. Thousands of onlookers, including curious tourists and faithful Catholics, gathered in St. Peter's Square to witness the moment, waiting over three hours for the announcement.
The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, as many speculated on potential successors to Pope Francis. Among the favorites, known as "papabili," are prominent figures such as Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, and Archbishop Jean-Marc Aveline of Marseille. The diversity of the electors reflects a broader representation of the global Church, with many cardinals appointed by Francis himself, who aimed to include voices from the Church's peripheries.
As the conclave continues, the cardinals will hold additional voting rounds, with two votes scheduled for the morning and two for the afternoon on May 8. Each round is critical, as a two-thirds majority—89 votes—is required to elect a new pope. If no candidate receives the necessary support, the process will continue with further ballots until a consensus is achieved.
In a notable display of activism, some Catholic feminists gathered near the Vatican, waving pink smoke to advocate for the inclusion of women in the priesthood. This demonstration highlights ongoing discussions within the Church regarding gender equality and the role of women in leadership positions.
The conclave is not only a religious event but also a significant media spectacle, drawing the attention of approximately 5,000 journalists from around the world. The interest extends beyond the faithful, as millions engage in betting activities regarding the identity of the next pope, reflecting the broader cultural implications of this pivotal moment.
As the cardinals prepare for the next voting sessions, the world watches closely, eager to see who will emerge as the new leader of the Catholic Church. The announcement of the new pope will be made by Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, who will step onto the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica to declare "Habemus Papam"—a moment that will undoubtedly resonate with the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
In conclusion, the conclave signifies a crucial turning point for the Catholic Church, as it seeks to navigate contemporary challenges while honoring its rich traditions. The coming days will reveal not only the identity of the new pope but also the direction in which the Church will head in the years to come.
