The Vatican is making final preparations for the 2025 papal conclave, set to begin on May 7 following the passing of Pope Francis on April 21. The solemn event will bring together 133 cardinal electors from 71 countries in the Sistine Chapel, where they will gather in secrecy to elect the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church.
One of the most iconic symbols of the conclave, the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel, has already been installed by the Vatican’s fire brigade. This chimney will signal the progress of the election to the outside world: black smoke will indicate that no pope has been chosen, while white smoke will herald the successful election of a new pontiff. The conclave will begin with a votive Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, after which the cardinals will process into the Sistine Chapel, swear an oath of secrecy, and begin the voting process.
This conclave stands out for its diversity and global representation. A significant majority of the cardinal electors—108 out of 133—were appointed by Pope Francis himself. Among the diverse group of cardinals are four from India: Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman; Cardinal Cleemis Baselios, head of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church; Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, a Vatican diplomat and Syro-Malabar archbishop; and Cardinal Anthony Poola, the first Dalit cardinal, known for his work with marginalized communities.
As the Church prepares for a new leader, attention has turned to a number of prominent figures considered likely candidates. Cardinal Pietro Parolin of Italy, the current Vatican Secretary of State, is viewed as a frontrunner. He is followed closely by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, former Archbishop of Manila, and Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana, who previously led the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. Other names mentioned include Cardinal Matteo Zuppi of Italy and Cardinal Péter Erdő of Hungary, with various factions within the Church favoring different directions for its future leadership.
During the conclave, the cardinal electors will reside at the Domus Sanctae Marthae. Given the record number of participants, additional accommodations in nearby Vatican buildings may be used. The election process requires a two-thirds majority to elect the new pope, and though the duration of the conclave is unpredictable, there is speculation that it may be brief due to a potential consensus on the profile of the next pontiff.
This conclave marks a pivotal moment in the Church’s history, blending centuries-old tradition with a rapidly changing global context. As Catholics around the world await the signal of white smoke from the Sistine Chapel, the 2025 conclave serves as a powerful symbol of continuity, unity, and spiritual discernment.