Overview

• The conclave will begin on May 7 in the Sistine Chapel, where 133 cardinal electors will vote under strict seclusion to select the next pope through a two-thirds majority.
• This is the most diverse conclave in history, with cardinals from 70 countries and less than half hailing from Europe, reflecting Pope Francis's efforts to expand the Church's global representation.
• Over 80% of the cardinal electors were appointed by Pope Francis, ensuring his reformist vision will strongly influence the election outcome, though ideological divisions persist.
• Leading contenders include Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, and Italian Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, with no clear consensus yet among voters.
• Pre-conclave speeches and discussions have been instrumental in shaping opinions, as cardinals deliberate on whether to continue Francis's progressive agenda or return to traditionalist leadership.