- The 2025 papal conclave begins May 7 with 133 cardinals voting in secret to elect a new pope after Pope Francis’s death.
- Leading candidates include Pietro Parolin, Luis Antonio Tagle, Peter Turkson, and Matteo Zuppi, each offering different visions for the Church.
- The voting process is highly traditional and secure, with white smoke signaling a successful election watched closely by over 1.3 billion Catholics.
The Papal Conclave 2025 starts on May 7. It takes place inside the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. A total of 133 cardinals from around the world will gather to elect the next pope. This follows the death of Pope Francis on April 21. The event marks a historic moment for the Catholic Church. The next pope will become the 267th leader of over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide. All eyes now turn to Rome. People around the world are watching this sacred and secretive process. The conclave could shape the Church’s future for decades. The decision could also bring a major shift. There is a strong chance the Church may see its first Asian or African pope.
How the Papal Conclave Works and Why It Matters
The conclave follows strict rules that date back centuries. Only cardinals under the age of 80 can vote. This year, 133 cardinals meet the age requirement. They must remain inside the Vatican with no contact with the outside world until they choose a new pope. The voting takes place inside the Sistine Chapel. Cardinals vote in total silence. Each of them writes a name on a paper ballot that reads Elijo como Supremo Pontífice (“I elect as Supreme Pontiff”). Then they fold the ballot and walk to the altar. They drop their vote into a special urn. Three cardinals chosen at random count the ballots. They read each name aloud. Then they sew the ballots together and burn them in a stove. The smoke signals the result to the public. Black smoke means no pope. White smoke means they have elected a new pope.
Details About the Voting Process Inside the Sistine Chapel
On the first day, the cardinals vote only once. From the second day forward, they vote up to four times a day. They hold two ballots in the morning and two in the afternoon. A candidate must receive at least 89 votes to win, which equals two-thirds of the total votes. If the cardinals cannot reach a decision after three days, they take a break. They spend one day in prayer and reflection. After the break, they resume with up to seven more ballots. If they still do not choose a pope, they move to a final stage. The top two candidates remain, but they cannot vote for themselves. The rest of the cardinals vote between them. Recent conclaves did not take long. The last 12 papal elections since 1846 ended within five days. Many experts believe this conclave could follow the same pattern.
These Cardinals Are the Top Contenders to Become the Next Pope
Several cardinals are currently leading the race. Cardinal Pietro Parolin is the top favorite. He serves as the Vatican’s Secretary of State. He has worked in diplomacy and helped shape the Vatican’s 2018 deal with China on bishop appointments. Supporters praise his experience, but critics point to financial scandals tied to his office.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle also ranks high. He is 67 and comes from the Philippines. He often speaks about helping the poor and modern Church values. People call him the “Asian Francis.” If elected, he would be the first pope from Asia.
Cardinal Peter Turkson from Ghana is another strong candidate. He is 76 and speaks out on climate change and global justice. If he wins, he would become the first African pope in over 1,500 years. Many Catholics in Africa view him as a voice for the developing world.
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi from Italy is also gaining support. He is 69 and known for his peace efforts in conflict zones. He supports reforms but keeps a moderate tone. Many cardinals see him as someone who could unify both traditional and progressive sides of the Church.
Betting Odds Show Parolin and Tagle in the Lead
Bookmakers have already set odds for who will become the next pope. Cardinal Pietro Parolin leads with 15/8 odds, Luis Antonio Tagle follows with 5/2 and Peter Turkson has 5/1 odds. Cardinal Matteo Zuppi is close behind with 6/1. People are also betting on what name the new pope might take. Popular guesses include “Leo” and “Pius,” both of which have strong roots in Catholic tradition.
Security Measures Keep the Conclave Completely Private
The conclave takes privacy very seriously. The Vatican uses advanced technology to block any outside communication. They sweep the Sistine Chapel for bugs and hidden microphones. Electronic jamming devices stop signals from getting in or out. Reporters have called this “Michelangelo meets James Bond.” This phrase describes how sacred art and modern security meet in one place. The cardinals also take an oath of secrecy. If they break it, they risk excommunication.
How Long Will the Cardinals Take to Elect a Pope?
There is no exact deadline to pick the next pope. Some conclaves last only a few days. Others take longer. It depends on how fast the cardinals reach a consensus. Right now, the cardinals seem divided. Some want a traditional leader. Others want a reformer who can modernize the Church. These differences may slow the process. But if a clear favorite like Parolin or Tagle gets early support, the vote could wrap up quickly.
Why the 2025 Conclave Is a Major Turning Point
The 2025 conclave is not just a Church matter. It is a global event. The world is watching closely. The Catholic Church faces big issues today—climate change, social justice, declining membership, and modern values. The new pope will shape the Church’s future. He will lead over 1.3 billion Catholics. Whether it’s Parolin, Tagle, Turkson, or Zuppi, the next pope will define what the Church stands for in this new era. Everyone will be watching the chimney. When white smoke rises, history will be made.
