On April 21, 2025, Pope Francis died at the age of 88. According to canon law, a conclave to elect a new pontiff must be held within 15-20 days after the onset of the period of sede vacante (vacant throne). Thus, the election of the new Pope will take place between May 6 and 11, 2025, in the Sistine Chapel of the Vatican.
Currently, experts name several main contenders for the papal throne. Among the most likely candidates for the post of Pope are the following cardinals:
Pietro Parolin (Italy, 70 years old) – Vatican Secretary of State, diplomat and one of Pope Francis’ closest associates.
Matteo Zuppi (Italy, 69) – Archbishop of Bologna, a representative of the progressive wing, known for his participation in peacekeeping initiatives.
Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines, 67) – Former Archbishop of Manila, prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, may become the first pope from Asia.
Peter Erdő (Hungary, 72) – Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest, theologian, authority in interreligious dialogue.
Peter Turkson (Ghana, 76) – Emphasizes social justice, one of the leading cardinals in Africa.
Robert Sarah (Guinea, 79) – Conservative cardinal, former head of the Congregation for Divine Worship.
The election of the new pope is held in a closed meeting, the Conclave, which is attended by all cardinals under the age of 80 (in 2025, there are about 120 of them). Each of them is obliged to participate, except in cases of illness or special circumstances.
The procedure includes the following stages:
The conclave takes place in isolation in the Sistine Chapel.
Cardinals vote anonymously. A qualified majority of two-thirds of the votes is required for election.
Voting is held up to four times a day (twice in the morning and evening).
At the end of each round, ballots are burned: black smoke means the pope has not been elected, white smoke means the election has taken place.
The elected cardinal, having made his decision, says: “Accepto” – I accept. Then he chooses the papal name.
The world learns the result through a historical formula: Habemus Papam – “We have a pope!”
