Overview

• The conclave to elect the next pope will officially begin on May 7, 2025, with a morning 'Misa Pro Eligendo Pontifice' and an afternoon oath in the Sistine Chapel.
• A total of 135 cardinal electors, all under 80 years old, are eligible to vote, with a two-thirds majority (94 votes) required to elect the new pope.
• The participation of Cardinal Angelo Becciu, previously stripped of voting rights by Pope Francis, remains unresolved as Vatican officials deliberate on his eligibility.
• Leading candidates, or papabili, include Matteo Zuppi, Luis Antonio Tagle, and Pietro Parolin, representing progressive and moderate blocs within the Church.
• The Sistine Chapel has been closed to visitors as preparations begin for the secretive voting process, which could last several days.