Pope Francis passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 due to respiratory complications, a cardiovascular accident, and heart failure. His death has initiated a period known as "Sede Vacante," during which the College of Cardinals will convene to elect a new pontiff. The funeral for Pope Francis is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM Rome time, following a period of mourning.
In accordance with the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, which governs the election of a new pope, the conclave of cardinals will take place after nine days of exequies. This means the conclave is expected to occur between May 6 and May 11, 2025, as the College of Cardinals has a window of 15 to 20 days to organize the election involving approximately 130 electing cardinals.
During the conclave, two votes will be held daily, with an additional vote on the first afternoon. A candidate must secure two-thirds of the votes to be elected. If no agreement is reached after 24 votes, the cardinals can decide by absolute majority how to proceed, but a simple majority is still required for a valid election. This process has been described by ACI Prensa, which emphasizes the importance of secrecy during the voting.
Interestingly, there are no official "candidates" for the papacy; each cardinal writes a name on a ballot, and the one mentioned most frequently becomes the favorite. Among the cardinals expected to participate, Pietro Parolin (70 years old), the cardinal of the Curia, is notably mentioned as a strong contender. Other names include Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa (60 years old), who has gained a good reputation for his humanitarian efforts, and Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi (69 years old), currently the president of the Italian Episcopal Conference.
While the Italian candidates are strong, the potential for a non-Italian pope remains. The U.S. has seen some speculation about a possible American candidate, like Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke, who is known for his conservative views. However, the current political climate in the U.S. under Trump has diminished these chances significantly.
Internationally, Archbishop Carlos Aguiar Retes (74 years old) from Mexico City, and Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle (67 years old) from the Philippines are also seen as viable candidates. Tagle, in particular, is considered a favorite among many, while Cardinal Charles Mauung Bo (76 years old) from Myanmar is viewed as an outsider.
As the cardinals prepare for the conclave, discussions have turned to the future direction of the Catholic Church. The last two pontificates lasted an average of ten years, leading to expectations that the next pope will need to navigate the same complexities that have arisen in recent years.
In light of the ongoing issues surrounding sexual abuse scandals within the Church, theologians like Massimo Faggioli have pointed out that these concerns will likely influence the discussions and decisions made during the conclave. The cardinals will be tasked with addressing these sensitive issues while also considering the broader direction of the Church.
On April 24, 2025, 113 cardinals gathered in the Vatican for the third General Congregation, where they began deliberating on the future of the Catholic Church. The meeting included the reading of the first 23 paragraphs of the apostolic constitution and discussions about the upcoming conclave.
As preparations continue, Matteo Bruni, the director of the Holy See Press Office, reported that over 61,000 people had already paid their respects to Pope Francis by April 24, 2025. The Basilica of Saint Peter is expected to close at midnight unless large crowds are still waiting to enter.
Following the funeral service, a group of poor and needy individuals will gather at the steps of the Basilica of Santa Maria la Mayor to pay their final respects to the late pope. This initiative reflects Pope Francis's commitment to the marginalized, as he famously chose his papal name to honor the poor.
Amidst these preparations, controversy has arisen regarding the participation of Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who was stripped of his privileges following a financial scandal and subsequently condemned to prison. Despite being listed as a non-voter, Becciu has insisted on participating in the conclave, raising questions about his status among the electors.
As the world awaits the outcome, the focus remains on who will emerge as the next leader of the Catholic Church. With the conclave set to convene soon, the eyes of the faithful will be on the Sistine Chapel, where the smoke signals will indicate the election's progress: white smoke for a new pope, and black if the vote does not yield a consensus.
In the coming days, discussions will continue, and the cardinals will prepare for the significant decision that lies ahead. The future of the Catholic Church is at stake, and the choice of the next pope will undoubtedly shape its direction for years to come.
