A historic chapter in the Catholic Church has begun. Following the death of Pope Francis on 21 April 2025 at the age of 88, the College of Cardinals officially entered conclave today to elect the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church.
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A Solemn Tradition Begins
The conclave opened on the morning of 7 May with a special Mass “Pro Eligendo Pontifice” (For the Election of the Roman Pontiff) held in St Peter’s Basilica, celebrated by the Dean of the College of Cardinals. In the afternoon, the cardinal-electors — those under the age of 80 — processed into the Sistine Chapel singing the ancient hymn Veni Creator Spiritus, invoking the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Once inside the Sistine Chapel, sealed from the outside world, the 133 eligible cardinals took the solemn oath of secrecy before the doors were locked. This marks the beginning of one of the Church’s most sacred and secretive traditions — a process unchanged in its essentials for centuries.
First Votes Cast – Black Smoke Signals No Decision
On the first day, a single round of voting was held. Shortly after, black smoke emerged from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel, signaling to the watching world that no candidate had yet secured the required two-thirds majority (at least 89 votes).
Crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square fell silent as the dark plume confirmed: the Church would have to wait a little longer.
On the morning of 8 May, cardinals returned for two more ballots. Once again, black smoke was seen rising from the chapel’s chimney — a sign that the Church remains in a state of sede vacante, or empty seat.
Voting can continue up to four times a day (two in the morning, two in the afternoon) until a new pope is chosen.
A Global and Diverse Conclave
This conclave is one of the most diverse in history. The 133 electors hail from more than 70 countries, representing the universal nature of the Church. Africa, Asia, and Latin America are all strongly represented — a testament to the shifting demographics of global Catholicism.
Among the frontrunners identified by Vatican observers are:
- Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy) – Secretary of State and a seasoned Vatican diplomat.
- Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines) – Known for his pastoral heart and wide international appeal.
- Cardinal Robert Prevost (USA) – A former missionary bishop with strong curial experience.
- Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline (France) – Archbishop of Marseille, known for his theological depth.
- Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa (Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem) – A figure of Christian unity in the Holy Land.
- Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David (Philippines) – The so-called “dark horse” candidate, admired for his strong moral leadership and grassroots pastoral experience.
The World Watches and Waits
As the cardinals deliberate under Michelangelo’s frescoed ceiling, faithful Catholics around the world are praying for a shepherd who will guide the Church through a time of both opportunity and trial. Issues such as global conflict, secularism, internal Church reform, and the evangelisation of youth are all expected to weigh heavily on the minds of the electors.
In Rome, thousands have gathered in St. Peter’s Square each day, eyes fixed on the chimney. A single puff of white smoke will indicate the election of a new pope. Following the traditional phrase “Habemus Papam!” (“We have a pope!”), the new pontiff will appear on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to offer his first blessing, Urbi et Orbi — to the city and to the world.
Until then, the world continues to watch and pray.
READ MORE: WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE POPE?
READ MORE: HOW A POPE IS ELECTED: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO THE CONCLAVE
