Catholic cardinals entered the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday to elect the next pope in a secretive conclave following Pope Francis’ death to unite a diverse global Church. With no clear favourite, the 133 electors face a pivotal decision amid calls for reform or tradition.
On May 7, 2025, 133 cardinal electors from 70 countries began the conclave in the Sistine Chapel to choose the 267th pope, succeeding Pope Francis, who died last month, as reported by Reuters. Under Michelangelo’s Last Judgement fresco, the cardinals swore an oath of secrecy before the first ballot, a ritual unchanged since medieval times, per AP News.
Archbishop Diego Ravelli’s “Extra omnes!” command sealed the chapel, and voting continued until a two-thirds majority selects the new pontiff, signalled by white smoke, per Vatican News.
LOOK: Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula and Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David recite the Oath of Secrecy, ahead of the start of the conclave to elect a new Pope on Wednesday (May 7, 2025).
They are among 133 cardinal electors who would… pic.twitter.com/py947cXutj
— Philippine News Agency (@pnagovph) May 7, 2025The process, expected to last three to five days based on historical averages, saw one ballot on Wednesday, with up to four daily thereafter. Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re’s pre-conclave sermon urged electors to prioritise the Church’s good, emphasising unity in diversity, per Catholic News Agency.
The conclave reflects Francis’s progressive legacy, with 80% of electors appointed by him. However, debates persist between reformists and traditionalists. Front-runners include Italy’s Pietro Parolin and the Philippines’ Luis Antonio Tagle, with France’s Jean-Marc Aveline and Hungary’s Peter Erdo as contenders, per The Guardian. Up from 115 in 2013, the electors represent a global Church, prompting speculation about a pope from the growing global south or a first US pontiff like Robert Prevost.
✝️ Catholic cardinals gathered this morning in the Vatican before the start of a conclave to elect the new pope
Follow the latest updates ⬇️https://t.co/vKIosZQdZS pic.twitter.com/mHE02HSRHR
— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) May 7, 2025As 133 cardinals convene in the Sistine Chapel on May 7, 2025, to elect Pope Francis’ successor, the world watches a historic conclave poised to shape the Catholic Church’s path. Balancing reform and tradition, the electors’ choice will guide 1.4 billion faithful. White smoke will soon signal a new era for the global Church.
