The highly awaited papal conclave officially begins today, May 7, 2025, in the Vatican, and the Catholic community is on high alert. Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 last month, and 133 cardinal-electors inside the Sistine Chapel have now started the somber and extremely secret process of choosing a new pope.
Featuring cardinals from 70 nations, this conclave is the largest and most geographically varied meeting in the Church’s history. At least 89 votes, or two-thirds of the total, are needed for a contender to win.
The level of security is high. Cardinals have sworn rigorous oaths of confidentiality, and any disclosures will result in excommunication. To stop outside influence, there are electronic jammers and comprehensive surveillance systems in place.
According to custom, smoke rising from the chapel chimney will indicate the outcome of each vote round: black for no decision and white for the election of a new pope. Watchers of the Vatican and millions of followers worldwide are now riveted to live broadcasts, anticipating the moment when the bells and white smoke announce “Habemus Papam”—”We have a pope.”
Cardinals Matteo Zuppi of Italy, Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, and Pietro Parolin of Italy are among the leading candidates. A surprise candidate could still emerge, though, as the conclave has a history of shocks.
Prior to the start of the conclave, the cardinals prayed for unity and direction at a special Mass held at St. Peter’s Basilica.
The 267th pope might be elected in a matter of days, or perhaps even sooner, with four voting sessions anticipated each day.
The chimney doesn’t say anything for now. The Catholic Church is about to enter a new age, and everyone is watching the skies above the Vatican for the puff of white that will signal this event.
