133 Cardinals Begin Electing New Pope in Vatican City After Francis's Death in Diverse Conclave

In Vatican City, 133 cardinals from 70 countries have commenced the process to elect a new pope following the death of Pope Francis. The cardinals, representing the most geographically diverse conclave in the history of the Catholic Church, began their task with a morning Mass in St. Peter's Basilica on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals, presided over the Mass and urged the electors to prioritize unity and set aside personal interests in their choice of the next pontiff. He emphasized the need for a leader who can awaken consciences in today's world, praying for the cardinals to agree on 'the pope that our time needs' before they enter the Sistine Chapel for the secret voting at 4:30 p.m. The cardinals are now sequestered, with their cellphones surrendered and Vatican airwaves jammed to prevent any external communication until a new leader for the 1.4 billion-member church is chosen. Pope Francis had appointed 108 of these cardinals, selecting many from countries like Mongolia, Sweden, and Tonga, which had never before had a cardinal. A two-thirds majority, or 89 ballots, is required to elect the 267th pope. The inclusion of younger cardinals from the 'global south' has added an element of uncertainty to the election process, traditionally shrouded in mystery and suspense. The cardinals are expected to hold multiple rounds of voting, with black smoke indicating no decision and white smoke signaling the election of a new pope. Black smoke could be expected at around 7 p.m. if no winner is found on the first day.