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133 Cardinals Begin Vatican Conclave on May 7 to Elect New Pope for 1.4 Billion Catholics

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Published May 7, 2025, 08:11 AM

The Vatican has commenced the papal conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88. The process began on May 7 at 4:30 p.m., following the 'Pro Eligendo Pontifice' mass in St. Peter's Basilica. A total of 133 cardinal electors under the age of 80, representing 70 countries and 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, have gathered in the Sistine Chapel. Strict security and confidentiality measures are enforced, including the disabling of all telecommunications, electronic jamming devices, and a sworn oath of secrecy by all participants and supporting staff. The cardinals are isolated from the outside world, surrendering all electronic devices and being cut off from news, television, and radio. Two cardinals withdrew from participation for health reasons. The conclave opens with the Latin phrase 'Extra omnes,' signaling the exclusion of all non-electors and the sealing of the chapel doors. Voting occurs up to four times daily—twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon—until a candidate achieves a two-thirds majority, requiring 89 votes. The youngest elector is Mykola Bychok, aged 45, and the oldest is Carlos Osoro Sierra, aged 79. After each round of voting, ballots are burned in a special stove attached to the Sistine Chapel's chimney, which serves as the sole means of communication with the outside world. Black smoke indicates no decision, while white smoke signals the election of a new pope. The announcement 'Habemus Papam' will be made by Cardinal Dominique Mamberti from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. Among the frequently mentioned candidates are Cardinal Pietro Parolin of Italy, Cardinal Luis Tagle of the Philippines, and Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea. The duration of the conclave is uncertain and may last from a single day to several weeks.

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