Cardinals begin conclave to elect new pope following the death of Pope Francis

A file photo of Cardinals entering the Sistine Chapel before the conclave in March 2013. (Photo: Vatican News)

A total of 133 cardinals under the age of 80 convened in the Sistine Chapel on May 7, 2025, to begin the conclave for electing the 267th pope. The gathering follows the death of Pope Francis on April 21 at age 88. The cardinals, representing 71 countries, took oaths of secrecy before being sequestered. The election process requires a two-thirds majority, with ballots burned after each round to signal progress: black smoke indicates no decision, while white smoke announces a new pope.

Pope Francis waves from the popemobile during his general audience in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican, Oct. 9, 2024. (CNS/Vatican Media)

Cardinal William Seng Chye Goh of Singapore, participating in his first conclave, remarked, “We need a superman!” highlighting the challenges ahead.

The conclave follows Pope Francis’s 12-year tenure, during which he appointed over 80% of the current electors. Potential successors include Cardinals Pietro Parolin of Italy and Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines.

The conclave is expected to conclude within a few days, with the announcement of the new pope signaled by white smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney.