Overview

• The conclave officially began on May 7, 2025, following a mass at Peter’s Basilica and a ceremonial procession to the Sistine Chapel.
• Cardinals from 70 countries, 80% of whom were appointed by Pope Francis, are voting in a process requiring a two-thirds majority to elect the new pope.
• High-tech measures, including signal jamming, are in place to ensure complete secrecy, with cardinals sworn to confidentiality during the proceedings.
• Front-runners include Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, though no clear favorite has emerged among the diverse candidates.
• The first vote is expected to take place this evening, with black smoke signaling no decision and white smoke plus bells indicating a new pope has been elected.