Cardinals begin conclave to elect new pope after Francis' death

Roman Catholic Church begins secretive papal selection process with 133 cardinals from 70 countries.

A view of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, seen from Rome, Italy, on May 6, 2025, ahead of the conclave to elect the next pope. Photo by Amanda Perobelli/Reuters

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

The Roman Catholic Church entered a historic moment on Wednesday as 133 cardinals from 70 countries gathered in the Sistine Chapel to begin the solemn and secretive process of choosing the next pope. The conclave comes in the wake of Pope Francis' death last month, marking the end of a pontificate that dramatically reshaped the global Church.

The start of the conclave was preceded by a public Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, a centuries-old tradition that formally initiates the papal election. Following the Mass, the cardinals processed into the Vatican’s fresco-adorned Sistine Chapel, where they were ceremonially sealed off from the outside world. There, they will remain until one among them is elected as the 267th pontiff.

Cardinals begin conclave to elect new pope defines not just the literal moment unfolding in Rome, but also reflects the Church’s critical juncture as it confronts divisions in theology, geography, and governance. The gathering is the largest in modern Church history, surpassing the 115 cardinal electors from 2013, illustrating how Pope Francis expanded the Church’s reach to underrepresented regions.

A Church divided on direction after Francis

While Pope Francis made a global impact through his emphasis on compassion, climate action, and outreach to marginalized communities, his death has reignited deep ideological divisions within the Church. As the cardinals begin the conclave to elect a new pope, these internal debates take center stage.

Some cardinals are seeking continuity — a pope who will uphold Francis’ progressive vision, furthering reforms in governance, transparency, and inclusion. Others, however, favor a more traditional approach, advocating a return to strict doctrine and the ritual forms that predate Vatican II. A more moderate group reportedly seeks a pontiff capable of bridging both camps — one who offers spiritual clarity without political entanglements.

This ideological spectrum, combined with an electorate drawn from six continents, presents both opportunities and challenges. Many observers say the conclave will test whether the Church’s increasingly global identity can translate into unified leadership.

Early frontrunners and potential compromises

Although there is no clear favorite, Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle are widely viewed as leading contenders. Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, is known for his diplomatic acumen and institutional loyalty. Tagle, a former Archbishop of Manila and now a prominent figure in the Roman Curia, represents the rising voice of the Global South.

Should early ballots indicate that neither can gain the two-thirds majority required for election, attention could shift to compromise candidates. Names such as France’s Jean-Marc Aveline, Hungary’s Peter Erdo, American Cardinal Robert Prevost, and Italy’s Pierbattista Pizzaballa have surfaced as alternative choices.

“It’s not always about theology or ideology,” one Vatican analyst noted. “Sometimes, geography, language, and temperament can be just as important when a deadlock needs to be broken.”

Tradition, secrecy, and symbolism

As the cardinals begin the conclave to elect a new pope, they are bound by ancient rules governing secrecy and detachment. Communication with the outside world is strictly forbidden. To protect the sanctity and security of the process, the Vatican has implemented advanced technological measures, including electronic jamming devices that prevent eavesdropping.

The conclave process typically begins with a single vote on the first day. If no consensus is reached, cardinals can vote up to four times daily. Black smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney signifies inconclusive ballots. White smoke, accompanied by the ringing of bells, will signal that a new pope has been chosen.

The average length of the last 10 conclaves was just over three days, with the 2013 election of Pope Francis lasting only two. Officials hope to reach a swift decision again this time, mindful of the message prolonged deliberations might send about the Church’s unity and direction.

A choice with global implications

The stakes in this election are immense. The pope is not merely the head of the world’s 1.4 billion Roman Catholics — he is also a moral figure whose influence transcends religious boundaries. From climate change and migration to war and economic inequality, the papacy often acts as a conscience for the world.

With the cardinals beginning the conclave to elect a new pope, questions abound about whether the next pontiff will come from the developing world, as Francis did, or whether leadership will return to Europe, the traditional center of Catholic power. The possibility of a pope from North America — a historical first — has also sparked discussion.

Roughly 80% of the cardinals voting were appointed by Francis, raising expectations that the new pope may carry forward some of his pastoral and geopolitical priorities. Yet the resistance Francis encountered within Church hierarchies suggests that even his appointees may not all favor radical continuity.

Voices from within and beyond the conclave

While the process is intentionally cloaked in silence, cardinals gave measured hints about their hopes prior to entering the conclave.

Italian Cardinal Mario Zenari offered a telling comment to reporters, saying, “Wait and see. It takes some patience.”

That sentiment encapsulates the mood in Rome. Outside the Vatican, pilgrims and tourists crowd St. Peter’s Square, watching the chapel chimney for a sign. Across the world, Catholics and non-Catholics alike are asking what kind of man will lead the Church in the coming decade — and whether he can meet the moment.

A defining chapter in Church history

As the cardinals begin the conclave to elect a new pope, they are not just choosing a leader; they are shaping the future of Catholicism itself. With pressure mounting from within and beyond the pews — and with the world watching — this election is one of the most consequential in the Church’s modern history.

Whoever emerges as the next pope will inherit a deeply complex institution: one that is global, diverse, often divided, and yet united by a common faith tradition. Whether he follows in the footsteps of Francis or charts a new course, the weight of history will rest on his shoulders from the moment white smoke rises above the Sistine Chapel.