Cardinals prepare for conclave after Pope Francis's death

Catholic cardinals reflect on challenges and hopes as they prepare to elect a new pope following Francis’s passing.

French Cardinal Francois-Xavier Bustillo is surrounded by journalists upon his arrival at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican on April 25, 2025. Photo by Andreas Solaro/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

As mourning rituals unfold in the heart of the Vatican following Pope Francis's death, Catholic cardinals are beginning the solemn process of preparing for a conclave that will decide the future of the Roman Catholic Church. The decision to elect a new pope weighs heavily on the minds of these global Church leaders, many of whom admit feeling both humbled and apprehensive as they assume one of the most significant responsibilities in Christendom.

A transition marked by reflection and humility

Following the death of Pope Francis on Monday at the age of 88, cardinals from around the world have descended on Rome, where preparations are underway for the conclave that will select his successor. With nine official days of mourning declared by the Holy See, culminating on May 4, cardinals have already begun gathering in what are known as "general congregations." These meetings serve not only as logistical briefings but also as spaces for dialogue and discernment.

“The task of choosing a new pope is beyond us and yet requires us,” said French cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline during a mass held Thursday evening. Luxembourg’s Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, a Jesuit and one of Pope Francis’s close advisors, echoed this sentiment, saying, “We feel very small. We have to make decisions for the whole Church, so we really need to pray for ourselves.”

These remarks underline the gravity of the moment as cardinals prepare for conclave in a deeply divided and evolving world. For many, the memory of Francis—his progressive vision and emphasis on humility—still lingers, influencing the expectations of what the Church will need from its next leader.

Behind the Vatican walls: setting the stage for papal succession

The conclave, a centuries-old tradition held within the walls of the Sistine Chapel, will involve 135 cardinal electors under the age of 80. As they prepare to begin this confidential voting process, the symbolic nature of the Sistine Chapel—with Michelangelo’s frescoes towering above—reminds the electors of the divine gravity of their task.

Despite the solemn setting, speculation abounds both inside and outside the Vatican walls. Cardinal François-Xavier Bustillo of Corsica cautioned his peers against turning the conclave into a political contest. “We must not act tactically or strategically,” he warned. “We must serve and act responsibly.”

This desire to keep spiritual integrity at the core of the papal selection process is echoed by other senior Church leaders. British Cardinal Vincent Nichols described the weight of the responsibility, calling the experience “quite intimidating frankly.” However, he emphasized that cardinals would do their “best work once the doors of the conclave have been shut,” allowing them to focus in a space of “peace and prayerfulness.”

Contenders and conversations: what kind of pope does the Church need?

As cardinals prepare for conclave, the discussions have inevitably turned to what qualities the next pope should possess. While speculation about geography—particularly the possibility of a pontiff from Africa or Asia—has surfaced, many leaders stress that character and capability should be the true criteria.

“Why not?” responded Cardinal Hollerich when asked about the possibility of a pope from the Global South. “But it’s not a given. What matters most is his personality, his ability to unify, and his willingness to listen.”

This emphasis on unity and pastoral strength appears to be a common thread. Hollerich outlined his vision of the ideal candidate as “a simple man, not too young nor too old, someone who can connect with people and listen to both those on the left and on the right.”

Meanwhile, conservative voices in the Church, such as German Cardinal Gerhard Müller, have expressed concern about the potential continuation of Francis’s progressive legacy. In a recent interview with The Times, Müller warned that electing another liberal pope could risk creating deep divisions within the Church.

“The question is not between conservatives and liberals but between orthodoxy and heresy,” he stated, highlighting the ideological tensions that persist within the college of cardinals.

Hopes for continuity and spiritual renewal

Despite the ideological divisions, many cardinals remain focused on preserving the unity of the Church and continuing the reformist momentum introduced by Pope Francis. Cardinal Oscar Rodríguez Maradiaga of Honduras, though no longer an elector due to his age, expressed hope that the next pope would embody Francis’s humility and commitment to social justice.

“I hope for a simple, humble person. A pontiff who will break up the power struggles in the Church,” he told La Stampa. While he won’t be participating in the conclave, his sentiments reflect a widespread yearning for a leader who can both inspire and reconcile.

“I am convinced that in the end everyone will have common sense,” Maradiaga added. “Cardinals are not people without faith.”

As preparations unfold, cardinals from across the globe continue to gather in Rome. Their presence is visible in the Vatican courtyards and colonnades of St. Peter’s Square, where they are easily recognized by their scarlet skullcaps. Reporters and pilgrims alike try to glean insights from brief public comments, but most cardinals remain tight-lipped about their thoughts on potential frontrunners.

The global Church watches and waits

As the Catholic Church stands on the cusp of new leadership, its 1.4 billion members are watching with anticipation. For many, Pope Francis represented a pivot towards compassion, environmental stewardship, and inclusion. The next pontiff, whether a continuation of that legacy or a shift in direction, will undoubtedly face monumental challenges—from declining church attendance in the West to surging faith communities in the Global South, as well as ongoing scandals and institutional reforms.

While the conclave remains shrouded in tradition and secrecy, what is clear is that cardinals prepare for conclave with a deep awareness of the stakes. As they gather in prayer, reflection, and dialogue, the next few weeks are poised to define not just the leadership but the direction of the Church in the decades to come.