Preparations are underway for the papal conclave, which will begin on May 7, 2025, to elect a successor to Pope Francis. The Sistine Chapel has been closed to tourists to prepare for the historic event.
Following the funeral of Pope Francis on April 27, Catholic cardinals gathered in Rome to confirm the date for the conclave, a secretive process where the next leader of the 1.4-billion-member Catholic Church will be chosen. The meeting, held on Monday, April 28, 2025, also marked the first time cardinals convened since the pope’s passing. The Vatican’s spokesman, Matteo Bruni, confirmed that the vote would take place in the Sistine Chapel, one of the most iconic and sacred places within Vatican City.
Preparing for the Vote: A Sacred Tradition
The Sistine Chapel, which has witnessed centuries of papal elections, was closed to tourists on Monday in preparation for the conclave. The chapel, known for its stunning frescoes painted by Michelangelo, will serve as the backdrop for this momentous occasion. All 135 cardinals eligible to vote will gather in the chapel, where they will cast their ballots in secret to decide the next pope. This process follows a solemn mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, marking the official start of the conclave.
The conclave’s location in the Sistine Chapel holds immense symbolic weight, as the sacred space has been central to Catholic tradition for centuries. It is in this chapel that cardinals elect the new pope, a decision that will impact millions of people around the world. The ritual, deeply embedded in the Catholic faith, combines both ancient tradition and modern expectations for the future of the Church.
Who Will Vote for the Next Pope?
Only those cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote. That gives a total of 135 cardinals with the power to shape the future of the Church. These men come from various regions across the globe, representing a diverse range of opinions, backgrounds, and theological perspectives. The decision they make will determine the next leader of the Catholic Church, a role that encompasses not only religious guidance but also a diplomatic and social influence on the global stage.
The cardinals’ votes will be conducted in strict secrecy, with no outside interference. The electors are bound by the rules of the conclave, and their votes are sealed until the final decision is made. The conclave’s rules are designed to ensure that the cardinals act independently, free from political or outside pressures.
Expectations for a Lengthier Conclave
Cardinal Anders Arborelius from Sweden, who is one of the cardinals eligible to vote, has suggested that this conclave may take longer than the previous two held in 2005 and 2013. The last two conclaves were completed in just two days, but this time, the cardinals may face additional challenges. Many of the cardinals appointed by Pope Francis have never met each other, which could lead to longer deliberations.
In contrast to previous conclaves, which were marked by relatively quick decision-making, this election may see a longer and more contemplative process. Given the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the cardinals involved, there may be a greater need for dialogue and understanding before a consensus can be reached on the next pope.
The Role of Pope Francis’s Successor
The election of a new pope comes at a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church. Pope Francis, who passed away on April 25, 2025, was known for his progressive stances on a number of social and political issues, including his calls for climate action, support for marginalized groups, and efforts to bridge divides between various factions within the Church. His successor will inherit a legacy of reform and will be tasked with continuing to address the Church’s global challenges.
In particular, the new pope will have to navigate the complex relationship between the Church and modern society. Issues such as secularism, interfaith dialogue, and the role of women in the Church will likely be high on the agenda for the next pontiff. The world is watching to see who the cardinals will choose to lead the Church into this new era.
What Happens After the Conclave?
Once the new pope is elected, white smoke will rise from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling to the world that a decision has been made. The announcement will be followed by a public appearance, where the newly elected pope will address the faithful. This marks the beginning of a new era for the Catholic Church, and the world will undoubtedly be watching as the new pope takes on one of the most important roles in global religious leadership.
As preparations for the conclave intensify, the Vatican remains a place of quiet anticipation. The eyes of millions of Catholics and non-Catholics alike are focused on this pivotal moment in history, awaiting the decision of the cardinals who will choose the next pope.
