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2d ago

Cardinals Begin Conclave to Elect New Pope Following Pope Francis’ Funeral

Under strict security and age-old traditions, 135 eligible cardinals cast their first ballots in the Sistine Chapel to determine the next leader of the Catholic Church.

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Cardinals stand during the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
This combination of photos shows, top row from left, Cardinal Peter Erdo, Cardinal Reinhard Marx, Cardinal Marc Ouellet, middle row from left, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Cardinal Robert Prevost, Cardinal Robert Sarah, and bottom row from left, Cardinal Christoph Schoenborn, Cardinal Luis Tagle and Cardinal Matteo Zuppi. (AP Photo)

Overview

  • Pope Francis was buried on April 26, concluding a nine-day mourning period and initiating the conclave to elect his successor.
  • The conclave involves 135 cardinals under the age of 80, sequestered in the Sistine Chapel under strict no-electronics and bug-sweep protocols.
  • A two-thirds majority is required to elect the new pope, with each ballot’s outcome communicated through smoke signals—black for no decision, white for a successful election.
  • The ringing of St Peter’s Basilica’s bells will audibly confirm the election of a new pope, followed by the traditional Habemus papam announcement.
  • The new pope will select a papal name, reflect privately in the Room of Tears, and deliver the Urbi et Orbi address from the central balcony of St Peter’s Basilica.