Papal Conclave Begins: What You Need to Know and Who Could Emerge as Pope Francis Successor

History is unfolding in Vatican City as the papal conclave officially began today, May 7, 2025. Following the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, 133 cardinal electors have gathered in the Sistine Chapel to carry out one of the most sacred responsibilities of the Catholic Church: choosing the next pope.

Understanding the Conclave

The conclave is steeped in centuries-old tradition and governed by strict secrecy. Once inside the Sistine Chapel, the cardinals are completely secluded from the outside world until a new pontiff is elected. To be chosen, a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority vote — at least 89 votes — from the cardinal electors.

Four ballots may be cast each day. The world watches for the telltale smoke from the chapel’s chimney: black smoke means no decision has been made; white smoke signals the election of the next pope.

The Leading Contenders

While the Holy Spirit guides the decision, several cardinals are considered frontrunners based on influence, reputation, and alignment with global Catholic priorities:

• Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy)
  As the Vatican’s Secretary of State and a close ally of Pope Francis, Parolin is known for his diplomatic skill and steady leadership. He represents continuity with Francis’s reformist and pastoral vision.
• Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines)
  Tagle is admired for his humility and communication skills, often called the “Asian Francis.” His election would mark a historic shift of papal leadership to Asia, home to a rapidly growing Catholic population.
• Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana)
  A longtime advocate for social justice, climate action, and economic equality, Turkson is a prominent African voice in the Church. His election would be a monumental first for the continent.
• Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa (Italy)
  The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pizzaballa gained global respect in 2023 for offering himself in exchange for hostages in the Middle East. His deep commitment to peace and interfaith dialogue could resonate with cardinals seeking a moral and spiritual beacon.
• Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy)
  A progressive voice within the Church, Zuppi is known for his peace-building efforts and inclusive theology. He may appeal to those hoping to continue Francis’s social justice priorities with renewed energy.

What’s at Stake

The next pope will face a complex landscape: ongoing reform of the Church’s institutions, addressing sexual abuse scandals, expanding interfaith dialogue, and navigating moral and social issues in a changing world. With over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide, the new leader’s direction will have a global impact far beyond Vatican walls.

Awaiting the White Smoke

As the cardinals vote behind closed doors, Catholics and observers around the world are watching with reverence and anticipation. The next few days may bring the name of the 267th pontiff — and with it, the beginning of a new era for the Roman Catholic Church.

Stay tuned as we await the moment when white smoke billows above the Sistine Chapel, announcing, “Habemus Papam!” — “We have a pope!