The Sistine Chapel, at the heart of the Vatican, will host one of the most anticipated events for the Catholic Church in 2025. On May 7, cardinals from around the world will gather for the conclave to elect the 267th pope, succeeding Francis, who passed away on April 21 at age 88. The process, governed by strict Church rules, blends centuries-old tradition with modern security measures. The selection of a new leader for 1.4 billion Catholics is a moment of global expectation.
The conclave follows a period of mourning and preparation, known as Novemdiales, which includes masses and preparatory meetings. In 2025, these meetings, called general congregations, began on April 22, shortly after Francis’ death. During these gatherings, cardinals discuss Church issues and set the conclave’s date.
The decision to start the conclave on May 7 was made during the fifth general congregation on April 28. Cardinals chose to begin within the 15-to-20-day period after the vacancy of the Apostolic See, as stipulated by the apostolic constitution Universi Dominici gregis, issued by John Paul II, and the motu proprio Normas nonnullas, by Benedict XVI.
Below is a list of key preparatory events for the conclave:
- April 21: Death of Pope Francis.
- April 22–28: General congregations in the Vatican.
- April 27: Francis’ funeral at St. Mary Major Basilica.
- May 7: Conclave begins in the Sistine Chapel.
Conclave rules
The conclave is a secret process held in the Sistine Chapel, which will be closed to the public from April 28 for preparations. Approximately 133 cardinals, all under 80 years old, will participate as electors, though the total number of cardinals is 252. The constitution Universi Dominici gregis mandates that only cardinals under this age can vote, with a maximum of 120 electors. However, Francis appointed more cardinals than this limit, and all 135 eligible would have participated, except for two absent due to health and one who renounced cardinal rights.
To elect the new pope, a two-thirds majority of votes is required. Cardinals take an oath of secrecy, pledging to maintain confidentiality. Ballots are burned after each vote, producing white smoke if a pope is elected or black smoke if no decision is reached.
The conclave may last days, but the last two, in 2005 and 2013, concluded in just two days. The choice traditionally falls on a cardinal elector, a practice upheld since the 1389 conclave.
Vatican preparations
General congregations, held in the Synod Hall, are preparatory meetings where cardinals address critical Church matters. In 2025, around 180 cardinals, including over 100 electors, attended the April 28 meeting. During the session, 20 cardinals spoke on evangelization, interfaith relations, and addressing clerical sexual abuse.
The camerlengo cardinal, Kevin Farrell, read Francis’ will during one meeting, and cardinals confirmed the funeral date. The canonization of Carlo Acutis, scheduled for April 27, was postponed due to mourning. Congregations did not occur on May 1, the feast of St. Joseph the Worker, or May 4.
Logistics are also key. On May 2, Vatican firefighters installed the chimney in the Sistine Chapel, used to signal voting outcomes. Security is a priority, with the Vatican Gendarmerie, led by Gianluca Gauzzi Broccoletti, implementing measures against threats like drones, microphones, and social media disinformation.
Security and technology
Protecting the conclave’s integrity is a challenge in 2025, given technological advancements. The Gendarmerie employs 650 security cameras, encrypted messaging, and digital threat detection systems. Concerns about disinformation campaigns and fake news, which could influence perceptions of candidates, are also monitored.
The Vatican also faces espionage risks, including artificial intelligence, drones, and satellites. To counter these, cardinals are advised to avoid insecure communications during the conclave. Simplicity is maintained: meals served to cardinals feature dishes typical of Lazio and Abruzzo, reinforcing ties to Italian tradition.
Below is a list of implemented security measures:
- 650 surveillance cameras in the Vatican;
- Encrypted messaging systems;
- Monitoring for drones and microphones;
- Protection against disinformation campaigns;
- Use of digital threat detection technology.
Cardinal composition
The College of Cardinals in 2025 reflects the internationalization promoted by Francis. Of the 252 cardinals, 140 are from non-European countries, and 108 of the 135 electors were appointed by him. This diversity raises the possibility of a non-European pope, as speculated by outlets like BBC and Hannahs Hill.
Two cardinals, Antonio Cañizares Llovera and John Njue, will not attend due to health issues. Another, Giovanni Angelo Becciu, renounced cardinal rights due to a financial scandal and will not be present. The senior cardinal under 80, Pietro Parolin, will preside over the conclave, as the dean and vice-dean, Giovanni Battista Re and Leonardo Sandri, are ineligible due to age.
The electors’ geographic diversity includes cardinals from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Oceania, alongside Europe. This global representation stems from Francis’ appointments, which aimed to expand the presence of underrepresented regions in the College of Cardinals.
Conclave traditions
The conclave is steeped in centuries-old rituals. On the morning of May 7, cardinals will celebrate the Mass Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice in St. Peter’s Basilica. In the afternoon, they proceed in a solemn procession to the Sistine Chapel, where each swears the oath outlined in paragraph 53 of Universi Dominici gregis.
During voting, cardinals write their candidate’s name on ballots, which are pierced with a needle and thread after counting to prevent reuse. The smoke, produced by burning ballots, is the most awaited signal for the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square. White smoke indicates a new pope, while black smoke signals no decision.
Below is a list of traditional conclave rituals:
- Mass Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice in St. Peter’s Basilica;
- Solemn procession to the Sistine Chapel;
- Oath of secrecy by cardinals;
- Burning of ballots to produce smoke;
- Announcement of the new pope from the basilica’s balcony.
Expectations for the new pope
Choosing the next pope is a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church, which faces issues like evangelization, minority inclusion, and responding to abuse scandals. During general congregations, cardinals emphasized the need for a leader to unite the Church and engage in interfaith dialogue.
Francis’ funeral on April 27 drew over 400,000 people to Rome, per estimates. Held at St. Mary Major Basilica, the ceremony reflected his papacy’s impact, marked by reforms and openness to issues like women’s ordination and LGBTQ+ inclusion. German cardinal Walter Kasper noted that mourning for Francis suggests a desire for a reformist pope.
Cardinals also discussed desired qualities for the new leader, including communication skills, pastoral vision, and the ability to address global challenges. The College of Cardinals’ diversity fuels speculation about a pope from regions like Africa or Asia, though the choice rests solely with the electors.
Event logistics
Preparing the conclave requires meticulous coordination. The Vatican Museum closed the Sistine Chapel on April 28 to install equipment, such as the stove for burning ballots. The Gendarmerie strengthened security across Vatican City, and international media closely follows each step.
Cardinals stay at the Domus Sanctae Marthae, a residence within the Vatican, during the conclave. The facility ensures electors remain isolated from the outside world, as required by rules. Meals are simple, featuring regional dishes, and activities are limited to voting and prayer.
The conclave also draws tourists and pilgrims to Rome. St. Peter’s Square will be the gathering point for faithful awaiting the new pope’s announcement, marked by the traditional “Habemus Papam” from the basilica’s balcony.
Conclave history
Conclaves have a long history, with rules evolving over centuries. The practice of electing only cardinals as popes began in 1389, and the 120-elector limit was set in 1975 by the document Romano Pontifici eligendo. The 1996 constitution Universi Dominici gregis updated procedures, and Benedict XVI’s 2013 motu proprio adjusted timelines and protocols.
The 2025 conclave will be the first since 1975 with over 120 electors, due to Francis’ appointments. Canon law experts state that all cardinals under 80 are entitled to vote, regardless of the nominal limit. The 2005 conclave, which elected Benedict XVI, and the 2013 conclave, which chose Francis, lasted two days, but durations can vary.
Below is a list of historical conclave milestones:
- 1389: Start of electing only cardinals;
- 1975: 120-elector limit established;
- 1996: Universi Dominici gregis promulgated;
- 2013: Timeline adjustments by Benedict XVI;
- 2025: First conclave with over 120 electors since 1975.
Global attention
The 2025 conclave draws worldwide attention, with TV networks and news outlets covering the event in real time. The papal election is significant not only for 1.4 billion Catholics but also for political and religious leaders of other faiths. The new pope will guide the Church amid social and technological changes.
The presence of cardinals from regions like Africa and Asia fuels expectations for a global leader. Names like Italy’s Matteo Zuppi and Nigeria’s Peter Ebere Okpaleke appear in media speculation, though cardinals avoid public comments. The College of Cardinals’ diversity reflects the Church’s universality.
Media coverage also faces challenges, with the Vatican warning about fake news risks. The Gendarmerie monitors social media to prevent rumors from undermining the process. Transparency is limited to the final announcement, preserving the conclave’s secrecy tradition.
Media role
The media plays a central role in covering the conclave, with journalists from around the world gathered in Rome. On April 28, cardinals like Argentina’s Ángel Sixto Rossi and the UK’s Vincent Nichols were approached by reporters upon arriving for the general congregation. St. Peter’s Square is the main coverage hub, with live broadcasts of the Sistine Chapel’s chimney.
Broadcasters offer analyses of potential candidates, but the Vatican remains silent on internal discussions. The media also highlights reinforced security and traditional rituals, which attract interest even from non-Catholics. Coverage intensifies on May 7, with teams positioned to capture the smoke and the new pope’s announcement.
