Many Catholics worldwide have felt Pope Francis’s death on April 21, 2025. His death at age 88 marks the end of a revolutionary pontificate and the election of a new pope, a most sad and spiritually momentous event in the history of the Roman Catholic Church. After around a thousand years of refinement, the voting process known as the conclave has become a complex and hallowed ritual.
Here you will find a brief biography of Pope Francis, an examination of the spiritual and historical significance of the Vatican conclave, an exhaustive description of the procedure for electing a new pope, and a list of the leading candidates for the position of cardinal.
How Does a Conclave Function?
What we now refer to as “conclave” is really from the Latin “cum clave,” which translates to “with a key.” It alludes to the long-standing custom of limiting the pope-selection committee to the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel until they reach a unanimous conclusion. By reserving a location of spiritual and physical isolation, the conclave aims to protect the decision-making process from the prying eyes of the media, politicians, and the general public.
Pope Gregory X set this practice in 1274 by means of process standardization following years of political deadlock in prior papal electionsPope John Paul II now in charge of the conclave published the apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, which his predecessors changed. Pope John Paul II now in charge of the conclave published the apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, which his forebears changed.
Only under 80 years old Catholic cardinals make up the conclave. From May 2025, 133 cardinals qualify to vote. The present conclave is founded on the revised and released Pope John Paul II’s apostolic constitution.
Now conclave will be Catholic Church cardinals under 80 years old. Officially acknowledged were 133 cardinals for the May 2025 election. Gathering here today to see this historic event are cardinals from all around the world representing various branches of the Catholic Church.
How to Choose a Pope
Usually fifteen to twenty days after a pope passes away or resigns, the conclave starts to let cardinals journey to Rome and perform burial rites. The College of Cardinals is in charge of the Church during this interregnum even though they lack power to decide matters exclusively the pope’s.
Under tight security, cardinals assemble in the Sistine Chapel to start the conclave. All kinds of communication with the outside world cease totally. Should the cardinals fail in their sworn duty to maintain the proceedings totally secret, they might suffer major ecclesiastical penalties.
The cardinals have four votes each day: two in the morning and two in the afternoon. An election is deemed successful if 89 votes constitute a two-thirds majority. The ballots are burned in a stove when the voting is finished. Should a pope be chosen, chemicals produce white smoke; should no decision be made, black smoke results. The smoke rising from the chimney surrounding the Sistine Chapel reveals the outcome to the throng in St. Peter’s Square.
A candidate who has won the election and assumed office is asked, “Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?” Should he agree, the next question is, “By what name shall you be called?” He takes this name as his papal name and expresses an early interest in papal garments.
The conventional Latin phrase to formally greet the new pope to the world is “Habemus Papam,” which means “We have a Pope.”
Pope Francis’s Life and Legacy
Pontiff Francis assumed office in 2013 after becoming the first Latin American pontiff and a Jesuit. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in 1936 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, He showed his commitment to social justice, anti-poverty work, and humility by naming Francis in tribute to Saint Francis of Assisi.
Before he became pope, Bergoglio became well-known as the Archbishop of Buenos Aires for his humble lifestyle and pastoral care. His election signaled for many that the Church was ready for a new beginning, both spiritually and institutionally.
Over his twelve years as pope, Francis stressed assisting the needy, welcoming all people, and appreciating compassion. His groundbreaking encyclical “Laudato Si” aimed to change the Roman Curia even as he denounced environmental destruction and supported the impoverished and migrants. His pastoral approach to leadership, as opposed to dogmatic, drew both accolades and criticism.
Moreover, Pope Francis permanently affected the Church’s running. By choosing cardinals from countries that had been underrepresented in its ranks, he raised the membership of the College of Cardinals and strengthened the voice of the Catholic world’s periphery. This shift will significantly affect the 2025 conclave by increasing the variety of the electorate.
The 2025 Vatican Conclave: A State of Affairs
By early May 2025, the cardinals had assembled in Vatican City for a conclave that could be watershed for the Catholic Church. As they consider the path of the Church, Catholics all around feel a tangible excitement in their hearts.
The diversity of this conclave’s participants is a remarkable aspect. Pope Francis personally chose more than 60% of the current cardinal electors. Given this demographic change, the future pope’s ideological stance is probably going to be influenced. The conclave may elect a pope who, many experts say, will continue Francis’s work of pastoral care, worldwide outreach, and inclusiveness.
Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich of Luxembourg, who is close to Pope Francis, said in a recent interview that the Church is supposedly at a turning point. The decision we have is to either keep with the changes or return to the old ways of thinking.
Who do you believe will be the next pope?
Though some cardinals are called “papabili,” or serious candidates, the secret conclave is kept under wraps. The five names on the 2025 pope ballot are as follows:
Currently, Cardinal Pietro Parolin of Italy is the Secretary of State for the Vatican. Experienced in Church administration, he is a seasoned diplomat. Managing sensitive ties with China, he has also negotiated agreements between other countries and the Holy See. His administrative abilities and cool attitude make him an excellent candidate to guarantee the ongoing success of the organization.
Often called “Asian Francis,” Tagle is prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization. Apart from being well-known for his fervent sermons and charitable activities, he is a paragon of humility and generosity in daily life. His support would indicate a shift in the Church’s emphasis given Asia’s Catholic population growing at such a fast rate.
French Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline has been honored in acknowledgement of his great theological education and dedication to ecumenical involvement, particularly with Islam. His European background and wide viewpoint would help to heal divisions inside the Church.
United States Father Robert Francis Prevost
Prevost, a former Augustinian missionary and present prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, is well-versed in pastoral ministry and the inner workings of the Vatican. Many in the Church see him as a quiet, rational voice able to bring them together.
Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana
Turkson has become a leading voice in the battle for social justice and environmental protection with experience at the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development among her many other roles. His election would represent the variety of the Church worldwide as a first for Africa.
How does the Catholic Church face difficulties?
The next pope’s appointment will significantly influence Catholicism’s worldwide reputation, diplomatic relations, social outreach, and doctrinal readings. The pope’s function as a moral guide is becoming more important as the world becomes more interdependent and fragmented.
Will the cardinals choose a pope to succeed Francis, therefore guaranteeing continuity in the office? Will they pick a more conservative thinker? The response to that query will shape the Church for a long to come.
Hoping to see the recognizable puff of white smoke that would indicate the beginning of a new era of spirituality, the faithful are now closely watching the chimney of the Sistine Chapel.
The final outcome
Apart from indicating a shift in power, the Vatican conclave in 2025 is also a spiritually important event. It captures the aspirations and dreams of more than one billion Catholics, the rich tapestry of a worldwide Church, and the legacy of more than two thousand years of Christian faith.
Pope Francis’ cardinals have gathered what seems to be one of the most somber conclaves ever; its results could determine the direction of the Church for the rest of the 21st century.
The next pope might be more of an administrative reformer, a visionary leader, or a pastoral one; we still don’t know. But the stakes are higher than ever with everyone watching.
Read More : Why Cardinals Are Divided Over Selecting the Pope