The Conclave to elect a new pope of the Catholic Church begins on May 7, 2025, following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025. This significant event, which captures the attention of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics, will unfold in the Sistine Chapel, where cardinals will gather to choose the next leader of the Church.
The timing of the Conclave coincides with the release of the film "The Pope's Election," which has garnered significant interest after being nominated for eight categories at the 97th Academy Awards, winning the Best Adapted Screenplay award. The film portrays the behind-the-scenes drama of the Conclave, a process that has intrigued audiences worldwide, especially with the recent passing of Pope Francis.
The term "Conclave" originates from Latin, meaning "with a key," reflecting the historical practice of isolating cardinals to ensure a decision is reached without external influence. This year, 133 cardinals under the age of 80 are expected to participate in the voting process. To be elected, a candidate must secure at least 89 votes, which is two-thirds of the total.
The Conclave will commence with a Mass for the Election of the Roman Pontiff at St. Peter's Basilica at 10:00 AM local time on May 7. Following the Mass, the cardinals will process to the Sistine Chapel, where they will take an oath and engage in meditation before casting their votes. The first ballot will occur on the same day, and the results will be indicated by the color of smoke rising from the chapel's chimney—black smoke if no pope is elected, and white smoke if a new pope is chosen.
On the second day, May 8, the cardinals will again gather for Mass and prayers before proceeding to vote. The voting schedule allows for up to four ballots each day from the second day onward, with results announced via smoke signals after each round of voting.
As the election approaches, speculation about potential candidates intensifies. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the 70-year-old Secretary of State under Pope Francis, is considered a strong contender. He is seen as a candidate who may continue the late pope's reformist agenda, which included a more inclusive stance towards LGBTQ+ individuals and immigrants.
Another name frequently mentioned is Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines, who, if elected, would become the first Asian pope. The possibility of a non-European pope for two consecutive terms raises questions about the future direction of the Catholic Church. Will it continue along the liberal path established by Pope Francis, or will conservative elements regain influence?
The late pope's legacy is marked by efforts to reconcile with communist countries like China and Vietnam, which had historically been viewed as adversaries by the Vatican. The upcoming Conclave will not only decide the next pope but also reflect the ongoing debates within the Church regarding these critical issues.
In Japan, where the film "The Pope's Election" has been released, interest has surged following the pope's death. The film, which opened in 106 theaters on March 20, 2025, has expanded to 144 theaters as of May 2, reflecting a nearly 40% increase in screenings. It has consistently ranked in the top ten for nationwide weekend audience attendance since its release, highlighting the public's curiosity about the Conclave and the election process.
Edward Berger, the film's director, noted that it took four years to produce the movie, which resonates with audiences eager to peek behind the curtain of the papal election process. The film's success has been attributed to a combination of its engaging portrayal of the Conclave and the heightened interest following Pope Francis's passing.
As the Conclave begins, viewers and moviegoers alike are left wondering about the outcome. Will the next pope uphold the reformist principles of Pope Francis, or will the Church shift back towards more traditional values? The world will be watching closely as the cardinals cast their votes, and the smoke rises from the Sistine Chapel's chimney, signaling the dawn of a new papacy.
With the Conclave set to commence, the anticipation is palpable. The cardinals will be isolated from the outside world, cut off from communications and media, as they engage in this sacred and secretive process. The eyes of the faithful and curious alike will be on Vatican City, waiting to see who will emerge as the 267th pope and what message they will bring to the Church and the world.
