2025 Conclave: Vatican Prepares to Elect New Pope on May 7
The Vatican has announced that the conclave to elect Pope Francis's successor will begin on May 7, 2025. Following Francis's death on April 21, 135 cardinals under the age of 80 will convene in the Sistine Chapel to select the new leader of the Catholic Church. The process, blending centuries-old traditions with modern security measures, is highly anticipated by the faithful worldwide.
Conclave to elect replacement for Pope Francis - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
2025 Conclave: Vatican Prepares to Elect New Pope on May
The Vatican has announced that the conclave to elect Pope Francis's successor will begin on May 7, 2025. Following Francis's death on April 21, 135 cardinals under the age of 80 will convene in the Sistine Chapel to select the new leader of the Catholic Church. The process, blending centuries-old traditions with modern security measures, is highly anticipated by the faithful worldwide.
Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, the Vatican confirmed that the conclave to elect his successor will commence on May 7. Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, was known for his reformist approach and for fostering dialogue on contemporary issues.
During the "sede vacante" period, cardinals held general congregations to discuss the Church's current challenges and the criteria for selecting the new Pope. The Sistine Chapel was closed to the public on April 28 for conclave preparations, including the installation of signal jammers to ensure the confidentiality of the process.
Among the 135 cardinal electors, notable figures include Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's Secretary of State, and Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines, both considered strong candidates. The election requires a two-thirds majority, with up to four voting sessions per day until a new Pope is chosen.
The world awaits with anticipation the white smoke that will announce the new spiritual leader of over 1.4 billion Catholics.