CONCLAVE QUICK RECAP
On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, the College of Cardinals convened in Vatican City to begin the sacred task of electing a new pope, the next Bishop of Rome.
The papal conclave is a centuries-old tradition of the Catholic Church, in which cardinals under the age of 80 cast their votes to choose the new pontiff.
The conclave is taking place inside the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, where cardinals have been placed in strict isolation to shield them from any external influence.
Pope Francis, the 266th pope, who was elected in 2013, passed away on April 21, 2025.
Among the leading contenders for the papacy are Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, and Hungarian Cardinal Peter Erdo.
When a new pope is chosen, white smoke will rise from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel to announce the decision to the world. If no decision is reached after a round of voting, black smoke will instead signal that the conclave continues........Read More