In the wake of Pope Francis's passing, the Vatican is preparing for the upcoming Conclave, which is expected to commence between May 5 and May 10, 2025. According to the liturgical text, the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, the Conclave must begin no later than 20 days following the Pope's death, with the exact date to be determined during the General Congregation of Cardinals scheduled for April 28, 2025. This meeting will be crucial as it will finalize the timing for the election of the new pontiff.
As of now, the Vatican is in a period known as Sede Vacante, during which the administration is overseen by the cardinal camerlengo, Kevin Farrell. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, as dean of the College of Cardinals, is tasked with convening all members in Rome, including both electors and non-electors, for discussions on the Church's future and potential candidates for the papacy.
Since the funeral of Pope Francis, which took place on April 26, 2025, the Novendiali, a nine-day series of masses in memory of the deceased pontiff, have commenced. The Novendiali will conclude on May 4, 2025. Each mass is presided over by different cardinals, with a significant turnout of clergy and faithful expected to participate. The second mass was held on April 27, 2025, led by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, attracting around 200,000 attendees as part of the Jubilee of Adolescents.
On April 28, the General Congregation will continue, where discussions will focus on both the procedural aspects of the Conclave and the broader issues facing the Church. This congregation is particularly significant as it will provide a platform for electors to engage in candid conversations about the direction of the Church and the qualities needed in the next Pope.
Currently, there are 135 cardinal electors eligible to vote in the Conclave, with 108 of them appointed by Pope Francis, 22 by his predecessor Benedict XVI, and only five by John Paul II. This Conclave is set to be one of the most international in history, reflecting a shift away from a Eurocentric leadership towards a more global perspective.
In preparation for the Conclave, the Vatican has implemented strict protocols to ensure confidentiality. During the voting process, cardinal electors will be isolated from the outside world, prohibited from using communication devices or social media. The election requires a two-thirds majority to confirm the new Pope, with ballots being burned after each vote to indicate the outcome—black smoke for no election and white smoke for a successful vote.
Significantly, the upcoming Conclave will also be influenced by the presence of influential cardinals who, although not eligible to vote, can sway opinions and strategies. Among these are figures like Cardinal Sean Patrick O'Malley, known for his advocacy against sexual abuse, and Cardinal Christoph Schoenborn, a prominent theologian. Their insights and relationships will likely play a role in shaping the discussions leading up to the election.
As the world watches, the Vatican is bracing for a pivotal moment in its history. The decision on the Conclave's start date will be made during the April 28 meeting, and it will set the stage for the Church's next chapter. The loss of Pope Francis has left a profound void, and the upcoming election will determine the future direction of the Catholic Church.
In the meantime, tributes continue to pour in for Pope Francis. Over 70,000 people lined up to pay their respects at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where he is now interred. This outpouring of love and respect underscores the impact he had on millions around the globe.
As the preparations unfold, the Vatican remains on alert, ready to navigate the complexities of this historic transition. The cardinal electors, alongside the broader Church community, are tasked with not only selecting a new leader but also continuing the legacy of compassion and outreach that characterized Pope Francis's tenure.
In summary, the next few weeks are critical for the Catholic Church as it transitions into a new era. With the Conclave approaching and the General Congregations underway, the focus will be on unity, reflection, and the collective hope for a leader who can guide the Church through the challenges ahead.
