On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, the Vatican is abuzz with anticipation as the conclave to elect the next Pope officially begins. Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, a total of 133 cardinals, all under the age of 80, gather in the Sistine Chapel, a site steeped in history and tradition, to engage in one of the most solemn processes in the Catholic Church.
The day kicks off at 10:00 AM with a Mass known as the 'Misa Pro Eligendo Pontifice' in St. Peter's Basilica, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals. This service aims to invoke the guidance of the Holy Spirit as the cardinals prepare to select the 267th successor of Saint Peter, a role that carries immense spiritual and political weight for over 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
As the Mass concludes, the cardinals will proceed to the Pauline Chapel at 4:30 PM for a solemn prayer. Following this, the doors of the Sistine Chapel will be closed, and the cardinals will take an oath of confidentiality. This tradition, which dates back centuries, ensures that the election process remains entirely secretive, with no access to the outside world, including the use of mobile phones or the internet.
At 5:00 PM, the doors will be locked as the cardinal electors enter, marking the beginning of the conclave. The phrase “Extra omnes!” will be pronounced, signaling that all unauthorized individuals must leave, thus creating a sacred space for the cardinals to deliberate. The Swiss Guard will stand watch outside, ensuring that no one enters or exits the chapel during the voting process.
The first vote may take place on the same day, although it is more likely that the process will extend over several days, as no consensus is expected to be reached immediately. Starting on Thursday, May 8, the voting will follow a structured schedule, with four votes held each day: two in the morning and two in the afternoon. After each voting session, the ballots will be burned, producing either black smoke—indicating no decision has been reached—or white smoke, which will signal the election of a new Pope.
In the lead-up to the conclave, speculation about potential candidates has intensified. Among the favorites are Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State of the Vatican, and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines, both seen as capable of continuing the pastoral vision of Pope Francis. Others mentioned include Matteo Zuppi, the Archbishop of Bologna, and Robert Francis Prevost, an American cardinal.
ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence tool, has weighed in on the unpredictability of this conclave, stating, "The 2025 conclave is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in the recent history of the Catholic Church. While it is difficult to predict with certainty who will be elected as the new Pope, several names stand out as favorites according to analysts and betting houses."
As the world watches, the cardinals have issued an urgent call for a ceasefire in ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and other regions, echoing the late Pope Francis's commitment to dialogue and reconciliation. This call highlights the political implications of the papal election, as the new Pope will play a crucial role in addressing global issues.
Throughout the day, thousands of faithful gather in St. Peter's Square, eagerly awaiting the first signs of the conclave's outcome. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation, with many hoping for a swift resolution that will bring clarity to the future of the Church.
As the cardinals settle into their seats in the Sistine Chapel, they will be surrounded by the stunning frescoes of Michelangelo, a powerful reminder of the weight of their responsibilities. The initial voting session is expected to yield black smoke, indicating that further deliberation is needed. However, this first vote will provide insight into the candidates' support among the cardinals.
In a statement, Cardinal Re emphasized the importance of this moment, saying, "We are here to implore the aid of the Holy Spirit, to seek His light and strength, so that we may elect the Pope that the Church and humanity need at this challenging time in history." His words resonate as the cardinals prepare to make a decision that will shape the future of the Catholic Church.
As the conclave unfolds, the world remains on edge, waiting for the white smoke that will signal the election of a new Pope. Until then, the cardinals will engage in prayerful deliberation, guided by their commitment to the Church and the faithful they serve.
The conclave represents a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church, as it seeks to navigate contemporary challenges while remaining true to its spiritual mission. With the eyes of millions upon them, the cardinals are poised to make a decision that will reverberate through history.