VATICAN CITY -- The conclave to elect the 267th pope and successor to Pope Francis is now underway. A total of 133 cardinals, the most electors ever, will be casting their votes during this significant event. Notably, 108 of these cardinals were appointed by Pope Francis himself, and among them are ten from the United States.
On May 7, 2025, at 4:30 p.m., Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the top-ranking cardinal among the electors, led the cardinals in prayer at the Apostolic Palace’s Pauline Chapel, just a short distance from the Sistine Chapel. Invoking the help of the Holy Spirit, he emphasized the importance of electing “a worthy pastor” for the universal church. “The whole church, united with us in prayer, insistently invokes the grace of the Holy Spirit so that a worthy pastor for the whole flock of Christ would be elected by us,” he expressed.
Following this solemn prayer, the cardinals processed into the Sistine Chapel, where they are now locked away from the outside world. In a tradition steeped in secrecy, they surrendered their phones, ensuring that communication is cut off, with signal jammers in place to maintain total confidentiality.
Once inside, the cardinals began their conclave by chanting the Litany of Saints, calling upon various saints, archangels, and biblical figures for guidance. They prayed for peace in the world and for the church to be comforted and enlightened. After these prayers, they sang the ancient hymn “Veni Creator Spiritus” (“Come, Creator Spirit”), affirming their commitment to faithfully fulfill the ministry of universal pastor if elected.
Each cardinal then took an oath, placing their right hand on the Book of the Gospels, affirming their dedication to the rules governing the election and promising to keep the results secret unless given express permission by the new pope to disclose them. This ritual reflects the solemnity and gravity of their task.
Voting will occur twice in the morning and twice in the evening until a candidate secures a two-thirds majority—at least 89 votes. After each round of voting, the ballots are burned: black smoke indicates no decision has been reached, while white smoke signals the election of a new pope. Historically, the last three popes were elected within just a few days.
Prevost is a significant contender in this conclave. Robert Cardinal Prevost, originally from Chicago, currently heads the Vatican’s influential Dicastery for Bishops. His experience overseeing bishop appointments worldwide and his long-standing service in Peru have positioned him favorably within the Church hierarchy. Known for his centrist views and progressive leanings on social issues, Prevost shares ideological and pastoral similarities with Pope Francis, particularly regarding his emphasis on serving the poor and marginalized.
As the conclave progresses, the diversity of the electors is noteworthy. The group reflects the Church’s growing presence in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, while still maintaining strong European roots. This year’s assembly is the largest group of cardinal electors ever, with only those under the age of 80 eligible to vote. This change was enacted in 1975 by St. Paul VI, who set a limit of 120 cardinal electors and ruled that cardinals over the age of 80 could not enter the conclave.
Cardinal Prevost’s candidacy has garnered attention not only for his leadership role but also for his potential to make history as the first American pope. His dual citizenship in the United States and Peru uniquely positions him to bridge diverse cultural perspectives within the Church. Father Mark R. Francis, a seminary classmate of Prevost, expressed confidence in his abilities, stating, "He’s very calm, but extremely intelligent, and extremely compassionate."
Father Francis also emphasized the need for the Church to come together as a community to address contemporary challenges. He remarked, "I think coming together as a Christian community, that we're able to read the signs of the times and figure out what we need to do as a church." This sentiment resonates with many who view Prevost as a candidate capable of continuing the mission of Pope Francis.
Once a new pope is elected, he will retreat briefly to the “Room of Tears,” a space reserved for the emotional moment of transformation. The new pope will then be introduced from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica with the announcement, “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!” (“I bring you tidings of great joy: We have a pope!”) The name he chooses will offer insight into his papal vision.
The choice of the next pope is poised to shape not only the future of the Catholic Church but also its role on the global stage. Historically, popes have influenced significant political and social movements, and the next leader will likely continue this tradition. The conclave is expected to conclude swiftly, with modern elections often resolved in under ten ballots.
As the cardinals engage in this sacred process, the world watches closely, hoping for a leader who can guide the Church through its complex challenges while remaining true to its core values. The outcome of this conclave may not only redefine the papacy but also impact millions of Catholics worldwide.
