133 cardinals from 70 nations gather in the Vatican to elect a new pope, in what’s expected to be one of the most diverse papal elections in history.
A Historic Papal Conclave Begins
The eyes of the world are on the Vatican as 133 cardinals gather behind closed doors to begin the solemn, centuries-old tradition of electing the next pope. This conclave marks a new chapter in the Catholic Church’s 2,000-year history, bringing together the most geographically diverse group of cardinals ever, from over 70 countries.
With Pope Francis stepping down, the Church faces a critical moment — and the world is watching.
Sequestered in Secrecy: No Phones, No Outside World
As the conclave begins, cardinals surrender their cellphones, and Vatican airwaves are jammed to ensure complete isolation. This is a vote conducted in silence, reflection, and prayer.
At the final pre-conclave mass, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re urged his fellow cardinals to “seek a leader for our time” — someone who can unify, inspire, and lead 1.4 billion Catholics around the world.
The Global South Shifts the Balance
Thanks to Pope Francis’ progressive appointments, over 80% of the current electors were named by him, including cardinals from nations like Mongolia, Tonga, and Sweden — many of which had never before had a cardinal.
This shift toward the Global South has made the outcome more unpredictable, as many cardinals are meeting one another for the first time this week. Will this diversity bring a fresh voice to the papacy?
Inside the Sistine Chapel: Ritual and Reverence
At 4:30 p.m., the cardinals enter the Sistine Chapel, chanting the “Litany of the Saints” and the Latin hymn Veni Creator. They swear an oath of secrecy beneath Michelangelo’s masterpiece, The Last Judgment, and pledge to resist outside influence.
Once the doors close, the centuries-old choreography unfolds. The first vote may come today, with black smoke expected if no decision is reached. The world will watch for the iconic white smoke that signals a new pope.
The Stakes: Unity, Reform, and Tough Choices
The next pope will face major challenges — should he continue Francis’ progressive legacy on issues like LGBTQ+ inclusion, the environment, and migrants, or steer the Church back toward conservatism?
Observers see potential frontrunners:
- Cardinal Pietro Parolin of Italy, the Vatican’s secretary of state
- Filipino Cardinal Luis Tagle, a champion of evangelization
- Hungarian Cardinal Peter Erdo, a conservative figurehead
The cardinals are under pressure from both inside and outside the Church. Calls from young Catholics, women’s advocates, abuse survivors, and conservative groups are shaping expectations for the next pontiff.
The Vote: A Sacred, Secret Ritual
Cardinals write their votes on ballots inscribed with eligo in summen pontificem (“I elect as Supreme Pontiff”). One by one, they approach the altar, casting their choice into a gold and silver urn.
Scrutineers — cardinals chosen by lot — tally the votes, pierce each ballot, and tie them together with thread. After each round, the ballots are burned, producing black smoke if no pope has been elected or white smoke to announce a decision.
How Long Will It Take?
While many cardinals expect a relatively quick conclave, history shows it can take anywhere from three to eight rounds of voting. For reference:
- John Paul I was elected on the third ballot.
- John Paul II required eight rounds.
- Francis was chosen on the fifth.
The world now waits — for the smoke, for the bells, and for the moment when a new voice emerges on the Vatican balcony.
