With the loss of Pope Francis, Cardinals gather to choose his successor starting May 7.

As the Vatican prepares for the upcoming conclave, anticipation is building for the election of a new Pope following the death of Pope Francis. The conclave, which begins on May 7, 2025, will see 133 Cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel to choose the successor to the late Pontiff, who passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 due to a stroke.

Pope Francis’s funeral took place on April 26, 2025, and was notably held at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, rather than St. Peter’s Basilica, as the late Pope requested. This unique choice reflects his desire for simplicity and humility, values he championed throughout his papacy.

The conclave is a significant event in the Catholic Church, marking the process through which a new Pope is elected. The term “conclave” derives from the Latin phrase “cum clave,” meaning “with a key,” signifying that the Cardinals will be sealed off from the outside world to ensure their decision-making is free from external influence.

The Cardinals participating in this conclave have already arrived in Rome, ready to engage in discussions about the future direction of the Church. The last preliminary meeting, known as the General Congregation, took place on May 6, 2025, where they deliberated on the qualities they seek in the next Pope. Cardinal Ladislav Nemet expressed the general sentiment, stating, “We are all seeking a moment of peace before the conclave begins.”

During the conclave, eligible Cardinals under the age of 80 will cast their votes in secret. Each Cardinal will write down the name of their preferred candidate, and a two-thirds majority is required for a candidate to be elected. The voting process will be conducted in the Sistine Chapel, where the Cardinals will be isolated from the public and media.

After each round of voting, the results will be communicated through smoke signals from the chapel. Black smoke indicates that no decision has been reached, while white smoke signifies that a new Pope has been elected. The color of the smoke is achieved by burning the ballots with specific chemicals—black smoke results from adding potassium perchlorate, anthracene, and sulfur, whereas white smoke is created using potassium chlorate, lactose, and rosin.

Although the conclave can last up to 20 days, recent elections have typically concluded within two to three days. The new Pope will be announced with the traditional phrase “Habemus Papam” from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where he will also make his first public appearance.

Among the 135 Cardinals traveling to Rome, three are from Germany: Reinhard Marx (Archdiocese of Munich and Freising), Rainer Maria Woelki (Archdiocese of Cologne), and Gerhard Ludwig Müller (Judge at the Apostolic Signature). Despite their participation, it is considered unlikely that one of them will be elected as the new Pope.

The speculation surrounding potential candidates for the papacy is already rife. While any baptized male can technically be elected Pope, it is customary for the position to be filled by a Cardinal. This practice ensures that the new Pope is well-versed in Church doctrine and operations. Candidates are often discussed in terms of their backgrounds, leadership styles, and theological perspectives.

As the conclave approaches, the world watches closely. With approximately 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, the election of a new Pope is a matter of profound interest, not just for the faithful but for many others around the globe. The decisions made in the conclave will shape the future of the Catholic Church and its role in addressing contemporary issues.

In conclusion, the upcoming conclave represents a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church as it seeks to move forward after the loss of Pope Francis. The gathering of the Cardinals in the Sistine Chapel will not only determine the next leader of the Church but also set the tone for its future direction in a rapidly changing world.