Cardinals to elect pope francis’ successor in conclave 2025: A Historic Moment for the Catholic Church

Cardinals to elect pope francis’ successor in conclave, On May 7, 2025, the Sistine Chapel’s wooden doors closed, marking the start of the papal conclave to elect the 267th pope, the successor to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. This conclave, one of the most significant events in the Roman Catholic Church, brings together 133 cardinal electors from 70 countries to choose the next leader of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.

With a diverse College of Cardinals, a globalized Church, and pressing issues like inclusivity, tradition, and global conflicts, the 2025 conclave is poised to shape the future of Catholicism. This article explores the conclave’s process, key players, challenges, and what the world can expect from this sacred ritual.

The Papal Conclave: A Time-Honored Tradition

The conclave, derived from the Latin cum clave (“with a key”), is a centuries-old ritual where cardinals are secluded to elect a new pope. Held in the Sistine Chapel, surrounded by Michelangelo’s frescoes, the process is steeped in secrecy and solemnity. The 2025 conclave follows the rules outlined in Pope John Paul II’s 1996 apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, with modifications by Pope Benedict XVI. Only cardinals under 80 on the day the papacy becomes vacant April 21, 2025 are eligible to vote. Of the 252 cardinals, 135 were initially eligible, but health issues reduced the number to 133, making this the largest conclave in history.

Cardinals to elect pope francis’ successor in conclave

The process begins with the Pro Eligendo Pontifice Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by a procession to the Sistine Chapel. Cardinals swear an oath of secrecy, and the command extra omnes (“everyone out”) signals the start of voting. Ballots are cast on paper marked Eligo in Summum Pontificem (“I elect as supreme pontiff”), requiring a two-thirds majority to elect a pope. Black smoke signals an inconclusive vote, while white smoke announces a new pope, followed by the proclamation Habemus Papam (“We have a pope”).

Pope Francis’ Legacy and Its Impact on the Conclave

Pope Francis, the first pope from the Americas, left an indelible mark on the Church during his 12-year papacy. Known for his progressive reforms, he advocated for migrants, environmental stewardship, and inclusivity, including blessings for same-sex couples and discussions on women’s roles in the Church. His appointments reshaped the College of Cardinals, with 108 of the 133 electors (80%) chosen by him, hailing from diverse regions like Mongolia, Haiti, and Rwanda. This globalization has made the 2025 conclave the least Eurocentric in history, with only 40% of electors from Europe Cardinals to elect pope francis’ successor in conclave .

Francis’ reforms, however, sparked divisions. Conservatives criticized his inclusivity as a departure from tradition, while progressives hailed his focus on social justice. The conclave is a referendum on his legacy, with cardinals divided between those who seek continuity and those advocating for a return to doctrinal unity. The slogan “unity” has emerged among conservatives as a call to slow Francis’ reforms, while others push for a pope who embodies his pastoral approach Cardinals to elect pope francis’ successor in conclave .

Key Candidates and Papabili

Predicting the next pope is notoriously difficult, likened to “throwing darts blindfolded.” Yet, several cardinals are considered papabili (potential popes). Leading candidates include:

• Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy, 70): As Vatican Secretary of State, Parolin is a seasoned diplomat and Francis’ second-in-command. His liberal leanings align with Francis’ vision, making him a frontrunner for continuity.
• Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines, 67): Known for his charisma and progressive views, Tagle heads the Dicastery for Evangelization. His Asian roots and criticism of harsh rhetoric toward marginalized groups make him a strong contender for a non-European pope Cardinals to elect pope francis’ successor in conclave .
• Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline (France, 66): The Archbishop of Marseille shares Francis’ views on inclusivity but has cautioned against same-sex blessings, positioning him as a moderate.
• Cardinal Peter Erdo (Hungary, 71): A conservative with experience leading European episcopal conferences, Erdo appeals to those seeking a traditionalist pope.
• Cardinal Robert Sarah (Guinea, 79): A vocal conservative, Sarah opposes same-sex blessings and could represent a shift toward orthodoxy, though his age may limit his chances Cardinals to elect pope francis’ successor in conclave .

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Other names, like Cardinals Mario Grech (Malta) and Fridolin Ambongo (Democratic Republic of Congo), are also mentioned, reflecting the conclave’s diversity. The cardinals’ preferences remain fluid, with many undecided as they weigh candidates’ pastoral experience, theological orientation, and global perspective.

The Conclave’s Challenges and Dynamics

The 2025 conclave faces unique challenges:

1. Diversity and Disunity: With electors from 70 countries, many meeting for the first time, building consensus is complex. General congregations since April 22 have allowed cardinals to discuss issues like ethnocentrism, migration, and synodality, but factions persist. Asian cardinals, for instance, may vote as a bloc, while Europeans vote individually.
2. Size of the Electorate: The 133 electors exceed the nominal 120 limit set in 1975, potentially prolonging deliberations. Canon lawyers confirm all eligible cardinals can vote, but the large number could complicate reaching a two-thirds majority Cardinals to elect pope francis’ successor in conclave .
3. Secrecy and Isolation: Cardinals are cut off from the outside world, surrendering phones and facing excommunication for leaks. They reside in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, a modest guesthouse, and vote under strict security, ensuring no external influence.
4. Global Pressures: Discussions in pre-conclave meetings highlighted concerns like ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, climate change, and the Church’s role in a polarized world. Cardinals seek a pope who can address these issues while unifying the Church.

What to Expect from the 2025 Conclave

The conclave’s duration is uncertain. Recent conclaves (2005 and 2013) lasted two to three days, but the 2025 conclave’s size and diversity could extend deliberations. Historical extremes range from hours (1503) to nearly three years (1268–1271). Betting markets predict a result by May 9, but cardinals face pressure to decide swiftly to avoid appearing indecisive.

The new pope will inherit a Church at a crossroads. Key issues include:

• Inclusivity vs. Tradition: Will the pope continue Francis’ openness to same-sex blessings, women’s roles, and married clergy, or emphasize doctrinal unity?
• Global Influence: With Catholicism growing in Africa and Asia, a non-European pope could shift the Church’s focus to the Global South.
• Social Justice: Francis’ emphasis on migrants, the environment, and peace will likely remain central, but the approach may vary.
• Clerical Abuse: Addressing past scandals and ensuring transparency will be critical for the new pontiff.

The World Watches the Sistine Chapel’s Chimney

Cardinals to elect pope francis’ successor in conclave , As cardinals vote beneath Michelangelo’s Last Judgment, the world awaits the smoke from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney. Black smoke signals ongoing deliberations; white smoke heralds a new pope. The announcement from St. Peter’s Basilica balcony, where the senior cardinal deacon proclaims Habemus Papam, will introduce the 267th pope to a global audience Cardinals to elect pope francis’ successor in conclave .

Cardinals to elect pope francis’ successor in conclave , The 2025 conclave is a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church. With a diverse electorate, competing visions, and a legacy of reform, the cardinals’ choice will shape Catholicism for decades. Whether they select a progressive like Tagle, a diplomat like Parolin, or a conservative like Sarah, the next pope must navigate a fractured world and a divided Church. As pilgrims gather in St. Peter’s Square and billions watch online, the conclave embodies faith, tradition, and the hope for a unifying leader Cardinals to elect pope francis’ successor in conclave .

FAQs About the 2025 Papal Conclave

When does the conclave start?
The conclave began on May 7, 2025, 16 days after Pope Francis’ death on April 21, 2025.

Who can vote in the conclave?
Cardinals under 80 on April 21, 2025, are eligible. Of 135 eligible electors, 133 are participating due to health-related absences.

How long will the conclave last?
Recent conclaves lasted two to three days, but the 2025 conclave’s size may extend this. A result is expected by May 9, 2025.

Who are the leading candidates?
Cardinals Pietro Parolin, Luis Antonio Tagle, Jean-Marc Aveline, Peter Erdo, and Robert Sarah are among the papabili.

What happens after a pope is elected?
The elected cardinal accepts the role, chooses a papal name, and is announced to the world with Habemus Papam from St. Peter’s balcony.

For the latest updates, follow trusted sources like Vatican News or major outlets covering the conclave. The Catholic Church stands at a turning point, and the world awaits its next spiritual leader.