The Catholic Church will soon start the heavily choreographed process of electing its new leader following the passing of Pope Francis last month. It’s a secretive gathering known as “the conclave.”
Pope Francis passed on Easter Monday, 21 April, 2025 at the age of eighty-eight (88).
Today’s events started with the “Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice” mass, meaning “for the election of the Roman Pontiff.” The cardinals will then move to the Sistine Chapel, which is under lockdown for the conclave. Even cell signal around the chapel will not be allowed.
The 133 voting cardinals will cast their ballots for the next pontiff this afternoon. If a cardinal receives above two-thirds of the vote, he emerges the new pope. If no Pope is elected, voting will resume Thursday, when as many as four rounds of voting can take place.
