Preparations Underway for the Selection of a New Pope

Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, the Catholic Church has entered a historic moment as preparations for the selection of a new pope are in full swing. The papal conclave, set to commence on May 7, 2025, in the iconic Sistine Chapel, marks a pivotal transition for the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. With a diverse group of cardinal electors, heightened security measures, and a blend of ancient rituals and modern influences, the process to choose the 267th pontiff is both a sacred tradition and a reflection of the Church’s evolving global identity.

The Mourning Period and Initial Steps

The death of Pope Francis, who led the Church for over 12 years, triggered a nine-day mourning period known as the Novemdiales. This solemn period included a series of Masses and culminated in a funeral held within four to six days of his passing, attended by global leaders and faithful alike. During this time, cardinals from around the world converged on Rome to participate in general congregations—daily meetings to discuss the Church’s challenges, the qualities needed in the next pope, and logistical preparations for the conclave.

These congregations also handled symbolic and administrative tasks. One significant act was the destruction of the Fisherman’s Ring, a gold signet ring bearing the image of St. Peter, which serves as a symbol of papal authority. Its destruction, overseen by the Camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, marked the official end of Francis’ pontificate. On April 28, 2025, the Vatican announced that the conclave would begin on May 7, allowing sufficient time for mourning and preparation.

The Conclave: A Sacred and Secretive Process

The conclave, derived from the Latin cum clave (“with a key”), is a tightly controlled process designed to ensure secrecy and solemnity. Cardinals eligible to vote—those under 80 years old—are sequestered in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, a Vatican guesthouse, and cut off from all external communication. The Sistine Chapel, where voting takes place, has been meticulously prepared with tables, chairs, and the Book of the Gospels, placed on a central table. The Room of Tears, a small chamber adjacent to the chapel, is ready with vestments in various sizes for the newly elected pope to don after accepting his election.

Security is paramount. The Vatican has conducted thorough sweeps of the Sistine Chapel and surrounding areas to detect any surveillance devices, ensuring the conclave remains free from external interference. Non-essential personnel are barred from the area, and cardinals swear an oath of secrecy, binding them to confidentiality under penalty of excommunication.

The conclave begins with the Mass Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice (For the Election of the Roman Pontiff) in St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by a procession to the Sistine Chapel. Once inside, the cardinals hear the exhortation Extra Omnes (“Everyone out”), signaling the start of the voting process. On the first day, one ballot is held. Subsequent days involve up to four ballots daily—two in the morning and two in the afternoon—until a candidate secures a two-thirds majority.

Ballots are burned after each voting session in a stove within the chapel. Chemical additives produce black smoke to signal an inconclusive vote or white smoke to announce the election of a new pope. The phrase Habemus Papam (“We have a pope”) will then be proclaimed from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, introducing the new pontiff to the world.

The Cardinal Electors: A Diverse and Francis-Appointed Majority

Of the 252 cardinals in the College of Cardinals, 135 are under 80 and eligible to vote, though 133 will participate due to health-related absences. Over 100 of these electors were appointed by Pope Francis, reflecting his emphasis on diversifying the Church’s leadership. The group hails from 71 countries, with significant representation from Asia (22 electors), Africa (17), and Latin America (24). Europe still holds the largest share with 54 electors, but the conclave is notably less Eurocentric than in past centuries.

This diversity, coupled with the fact that many cardinals are first-time conclave participants, makes the outcome less predictable. Francis’ appointments leaned toward pastoral leaders from the Church’s peripheries, often prioritizing the Global South over traditional European power centers. Observers suggest this could tilt the election toward a non-European pope, potentially from Africa or Asia, though European candidates like Italy’s Cardinal Matteo Zuppi or Hungary’s Cardinal Péter Erdő remain strong contenders.

The cardinals face a complex task: balancing Francis’ progressive legacy—marked by reforms on synodality, environmental advocacy, and outreach to marginalized groups—with calls from traditionalists for a return to doctrinal clarity. The conclave’s discussions, both formal and informal, will likely center on these tensions, as well as global issues like secularization, interfaith dialogue, and the Church’s role in a polarized world.

Unique Aspects of the 2025 Conclave

This conclave has already drawn attention for breaking with certain traditions. Notably, the Vatican has not commissioned new cassocks from Gammarelli, the papal tailors who have dressed popes for the past 46 years. This departure, whether a nod to simplicity or an oversight, contrasts with the meticulous preparations elsewhere. The decision aligns with Francis’ own emphasis on humility, though it has sparked curiosity among Vatican watchers.

Another distinctive feature is the conclave’s global character. Unlike past conclaves dominated by Italian or European cardinals, this one reflects the Church’s universal reach. The diversity of electors, combined with the absence of a clear frontrunner, suggests a longer deliberation process. If no pope is chosen after three days, the cardinals may pause for a day of prayer and discussion, a provision introduced by Pope John Paul II to break deadlocks.

Challenges and Expectations

The next pope will inherit a Church at a crossroads. Francis’ reforms, including the Synod on Synodality and efforts to include women and laity in decision-making, have polarized Catholics. Progressive Catholics hope for a pontiff who continues this trajectory, while conservatives seek a leader to reinforce traditional teachings on marriage, sexuality, and liturgy. Globally, the Church faces declining membership in Europe and North America, growth in Africa and Asia, and ongoing challenges like clergy abuse scandals and financial transparency.

The conclave’s outcome will shape the Church’s direction for decades. Will the cardinals choose a pope who builds on Francis’ legacy, or one who charts a different course? Will they favor a pastoral figure, a doctrinal scholar, or a charismatic leader capable of uniting a fractured faithful?

A Moment of Transition

As the conclave begins on May 7, 2025, the eyes of the world will turn to the Vatican. The white smoke, when it rises, will signal not just the election of a new pope but the start of a new chapter for the Catholic Church. For now, the faithful wait, pray, and watch as the ancient rituals unfold in the heart of Rome, guided by tradition, faith, and the hope for inspired leadership.