Overview

• The conclave to elect the 267th Pope began on May 7 with a solemn Mass and oath-taking ceremony in the Sistine Chapel.
• The first ballot ended without a decision, as black smoke was released later than expected, reportedly due to procedural delays.
• A record 133 cardinal electors from 70 countries are participating, with ages ranging from 45 to 79, reflecting unprecedented global diversity.
• Key contenders include Pietro Parolin, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Matteo Maria Zuppi, Luis Antonio Tagle, and Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, some of whom face scrutiny over past statements.
• Over 5,300 journalists are covering the event, while tens of thousands of faithful await updates in St. Peter’s Square.