Inside the 2025 conclave: Electing Pope Francis's successor

Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025. According to canon law, this means the conclave must begin no earlier than 15 days after his passing. The cardinal electors will assemble in the Sistine Chapel between May 5th and 10th, 2025, to choose a new pope.

Conclave (from the Latin cum clave—"with a key") is the process by which a new pope is selected by the cardinals of the Catholic Church. Although today it is associated with a rigorous ritualistic process in the Sistine Chapel, its history is filled with dramatic turns, political tensions, and reforms that have shaped the contemporary rules for electing the Bishop of Rome.

In the early centuries of Christianity, popes were chosen by the clergy and laity of Rome. In 1059, Pope Nicholas II introduced a reform granting the exclusive right to elect popes to the cardinals. However, the lack of precise procedures often resulted in prolonged elections and interference from secular rulers.

The most well-known example is the conclave following the death of Clement IV in 1268. The meeting in Viterbo lasted 33 months, making it the longest conclave in the history of the Catholic Church. Politically divided cardinals struggled to reach an agreement. Impatient citizens locked them in the palace, sealed exits, restricted meals, and even removed the building's roof to expedite the decision-making process. They eventually chose Teobaldo Visconti, who adopted the name Gregory X.

In response to the chaos of previous elections, Pope Gregory X convened a council in Lyons in 1274, where he introduced the Ubi periculum bull. This document established conclave rules, requiring cardinals to remain sequestered until a pope is elected and limiting outside contact. These reforms aimed to expedite the electoral process and reduce external influences.

Over centuries, conclave rules have evolved, but the basic principles remain unchanged. The modern conclave takes place in the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican, involving cardinals under the age of 80. Electing a pope requires a two-thirds majority. After each vote, the ballots are burned, and the smoke's colour signals the result: black indicates no election, while white signifies a new pope's election.

The conclave is one of the most mysterious yet regulated events within the Catholic Church. Although its roots date back to the Middle Ages, contemporary rules result from various reforms and adjustments to the spiritual and organizational realities of the Apostolic See. How is the pope elected?

In the 2025 conclave, participation will be limited to cardinals under 80, following regulations introduced by Paul VI and reaffirmed by John Paul II. Currently, approximately 120 cardinals are eligible to vote. They gather in Vatican City, reside in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, and proceed daily to the Sistine Chapel to participate in the voting.

Duration can vary. How long is the conclave? — While it could theoretically conclude on the first day, it typically ranges from a few days to a week. In cases of significant division or the absence of a clear favourite, it may extend, although contemporary regulations aim to limit this by reducing meals and accommodations after a specific period without a decision.

A maximum of four votes are held each day — two in the morning and two in the afternoon. Each cardinal writes their candidate's name on a slip and places it in a special vessel. The votes are counted, and if no candidate receives a two-thirds majority, the ballots are burned. The smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel chimney informs the faithful: black smoke indicates no election, while white smoke signals a new pope's election.

The newly elected pope is asked if he accepts the election and then chooses a name by which he will be known. He dons the white cassock and appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where he announces: Habemus Papam! — "We have a pope!".

The conclave is not just a procedure for electing a new pope — it's also an event marked by centuries-old traditions and numerous symbols, giving it a unique, almost mystical character. While the Apostolic See strives to maintain the process's solemnity and spiritual dimension, many rituals and superstitions have developed around it over the centuries.

One of the oldest and most strictly adhered-to traditions is the total isolation of cardinals from the outside world. This ensures the election occurs in an atmosphere of prayer and focus, without the influence of politics, media, or public opinion. Attempting to leak information from within the conclave is met with the threat of excommunication, underscoring the importance of secrecy.

Though today the smoke's colour from the Sistine Chapel chimney results from special chemical mixtures, for years it has been interpreted almost as a sign from above. Black smoke (fumata nera) means no agreement, while white smoke (fumata bianca) signifies a pope's election. Traditionally, the ringing of the basilica bells accompanies it, dispelling any doubts.

The Catholic Church has a history of unusual behaviours during the conclave. Some cardinals reportedly brought their own chefs, while others hid slips with their favourite candidate's name in their sleeves. During the longest conclave in Viterbo, cardinals were even deprived of their roofs to force a decision!

Each participant in the conclave takes a solemn oath of secrecy and loyalty to the Church’s principles. This oath, taken before the first ballot, is one of the most solemn moments of the entire procedure.

All of this makes the 2025 conclave not only a decision about the Catholic Church’s future but also a continuation of a centuries-old tradition that captures the attention of the faithful and observers worldwide.

The death of Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio SJ, marks the beginning of one of the most significant events in the life of the Catholic Church — electing his successor. While no candidate officially declares their candidacy according to conclave rules, observers of church life and Vatican experts have speculated for months about who has the best chances to become the next pope. Who will be the pope after Francis? Here are the most frequently mentioned names concerning the 2025 conclave candidates.

1. Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana)

One of the most recognizable hierarchs from Africa, known for his work in social justice, ecology, and interreligious dialogue. His election would be historic — making him the first pope from Africa.

2. Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy)

Archbishop of Bologna and President of the Italian Bishops' Conference. Aligned closely with Pope Francis's spiritual vision, combining concern for the poor with openness to new social challenges. Considered a "papabile" for several years.

3. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines)

Former Archbishop of Manila, now serving as Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization. His assets include vast popularity in Asia, charisma, and the ability to connect with younger generations of believers.

4. Cardinal Christoph Schönborn (Austria)

Although nearing the age limit, some observers see him as a potential candidate due to substantial theological experience and understanding of the universal Church.

It's worth remembering that history knows cases when the new pope was chosen from among the so-called "dark horses" — cardinals who didn't appear in media speculations before the conclave. Such was the case with Jorge Mario Bergoglio SJ, whose 2013 election surprised the world.

Real candidates for the new pope are cardinal electors, clergy under 80 participating in the 2025 conclave. Already, certain names stand out for receiving broad support among electors. Who could become the new pope?

The pope's election considers not only spirituality — it includes church politics, geography, social sensitivity, and personality. Cardinals are seeking a candidate who:

• will continue Pope Francis's direction, promoting openness, humility, and social activity,
• addresses global Church challenges — such as declining believers in Europe and North America and Christianity's growth in Asia and Africa,
• unites different currents within the Church, from conservatives to reformers.

At the top of unofficial "papabili" lists are:

• Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy) – considered Pope Francis's spiritual heir. Warm in his message, socially engaged, and experienced in Vatican diplomacy.
• Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines) – among the most beloved cardinals, representing the growing Asian Church. Charismatic and media-savvy.
• Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana) – a symbol of the Church's changing geography. An African candidate with strong moral standing, known for environmental and social justice involvement.
• Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich (Luxembourg) – a European enjoying broad progressive cardinal support, active in youth and synodality matters.

Indeed. The conclave's history includes instances when a candidate outside media lists won — like Jorge Mario Bergoglio SJ in 2013. Cardinals may unite around a name that didn't appear in speculations but inspires trust and unites different factions at the last moment.

In the 2025 conclave, important roles could also be played by cardinals from Poland, South America, or Canada — as negotiators, building "vote blocs" for favourites.

Electing a new pope has significance that resonates far beyond the Vatican and the Catholic Church. It is an event of global importance — spiritually, socially, culturally, and politically. Why is the 2025 conclave crucial, and what could its consequences be?

The death of Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio SJ, closes an era considered by many as one of greater openness, dialogue, and global outreach. His successor faces the question: continuation or change? Will the Church persist on Francis's path, or return to a more conservative papal model?

The new pope will influence the Church's response to 21st-century challenges:

• faith crises in Europe and North America,
• increasing Church significance in Asia and Africa,
• rising internal Catholic community tensions — between reformers and traditionalists,
• ethical and bioethical issues, like euthanasia, divorces, LGBTQ+ rights, and women's ordination.

The pope is not only a religious leader but also heads the Apostolic See — a subject of international law. Amidst global crises: wars, climate change, and migration, the pope's voice carries political and moral weight. Whoever becomes the pope in 2025 will influence directions in interreligious dialogue, positions on Russia, China, the Middle East, and actions in defending human rights.

For over a billion Catholics, electing a new pope also represents a new spiritual authority, serving as a guide in faith and the universal Church's shepherd. The 2025 conclave decision will impact pastoral care, liturgy, and Church teachings for decades.