Papal Conclave 2025: Who Will Be the Next Pope? Inside the Secret Election Process

Following the passing and funeral of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church embarks on a historic and sacred process to select his successor-a tradition that spans centuries.

The election, known as the papal conclave, is a private gathering held behind the closed doors of the Sistine Chapel within Vatican City. During this process, 135 cardinal-electors cast their votes to determine who will lead the global Catholic community as the next pope.

The Vatican has announced the scheduled date for the conclave, which will convene in Rome with cardinals from around the world participating. Historically, these conclaves have lasted anywhere from approximately 25 hours to nearly three years, depending on the circumstances.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, passed away on April 21 at the age of 88 after battling a prolonged respiratory illness. Elected in March 2013 as the 266th pope, he was chosen on the fifth ballot of the conclave, surpassing the two-thirds majority requirement with 90 out of 115 votes. His papacy lasted over 12 years, during which he became a prominent spiritual leader.

As the Church prepares to elect a new pope, here are key details about the upcoming conclave:

When will the 2025 conclave begin?

The conclave is scheduled to commence on May 7. On that morning, cardinals will gather at St. Peter's Basilica for Mass, praying for divine guidance in selecting the next spiritual leader.

How long do conclaves typically last?

There is no fixed duration; some have concluded swiftly, while others have extended over several days. The longest modern conclave occurred in 1903, lasting more than five days during the election of Pope Pius X.

Where will the conclave be held?

The conclave will be held inside the Sistine Chapel, a famous Vatican venue renowned for its exquisite Renaissance art. The chapel has been closed to the public since April 28 and will stay off-limits until the voting process is complete.

How do conclaves operate?

According to protocols outlined by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, cardinals are strictly prohibited from communicating with outsiders during voting-no letters, calls, or conversations, except in emergencies. Voting is conducted by secret ballot; each cardinal approaches Michelangelo's "Last Judgment" fresco, offers a prayer, and places his sealed ballot into a large chalice.

The voting process involves up to four ballots daily, continuing until one candidate secures a two-thirds majority. Results are announced aloud and recorded by designated clerics. If no consensus is reached after three days, the cardinals may take a day's break for prayer, discussion, and spiritual reflection.

Once a cardinal receives the necessary two-thirds votes, the dean of the College of Cardinals asks him if he is willing to accept the papacy. If he agrees, he adopts a papal name, dons papal vestments, and the ballots are burned with chemicals to produce white smoke, signaling the election success to the world.

Who is eligible to become pope?

While the only formal requirements are being male and a baptized Catholic, it is customary for the pope to be a cardinal. Since the 14th century, nearly all popes have been chosen from among the cardinals, with only one exception: Archbishop Bartolomeo Prignano, elected in 1378 as Pope Urban VI, who was not a cardinal.

What is the longest conclave on record?

The longest conclave occurred in the 13th century, lasting nearly three years. After Pope Clement IV's death in 1268, the cardinals convened in Viterbo, but disagreements-particularly between French and Italian factions-delayed the election until 1271, when Gregory X was chosen. During this time, local authorities locked the cardinals in a palace to expedite the process, leading Gregory to establish formal voting rules and the term "conclave," derived from his reforms.

How many popes have there been?

Over the course of nearly 2,000 years, the Catholic Church has had a total of 266 popes, starting with St. Peter, who is regarded as the first pope and one of Jesus Christ's apostles. The latest pope prior to this upcoming conclave was Pope Francis, who was elected following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI in 2013.