Por MRNews
The world is preparing for one of the most significant events in the Catholic Church: the election of the new Pope. Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, the Vatican has entered a period of mourning and anticipation. The upcoming conclave, set to begin between May 5 and May 15, will determine the next leader of the 1.4 billion Catholics around the globe.
The Conclave Process
The process of electing a new pope is secretive and steeped in tradition. Of the world’s 252 cardinals, 135 are under the age of 80 and thus eligible to vote. According to Church law, the conclave cannot begin until at least May 6, allowing for the necessary mourning period and preparations.
Once the conclave begins, the cardinals will be completely isolated from the outside world, locked inside the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel until a new pope is elected. The iconic white or black smoke from the chapel’s chimney will signal to the world whether a decision has been reached.
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Early Signs and Speculation
Before the conclave officially starts, cardinals are free to participate in public events and give interviews, often hinting at the qualities they seek in the next pope. Vatican observers and journalists closely monitor these appearances for subtle signs.
At the funeral of Pope Francis, set for April 26 in St. Peter’s Square, important clues might emerge. The homily will be delivered by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals. Though he is 91 and not eligible to vote, his words could guide the tone of the coming election.
In 2005, a similar homily by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was seen as foreshadowing his own election as Pope Benedict XVI just days later.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, currently Vatican Secretary of State, is among the most frequently mentioned potential successors. However, as Church historians caution, “the one who enters the conclave as pope leaves as cardinal.” Predictions are notoriously unreliable.
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Behind Closed Doors
Leading up to the conclave, the cardinals will meet daily in sessions called “general congregations,” where they discuss the needs of the Church and outline the desired profile for the next pope.
These closed-door meetings often reveal more than public statements. In 2013, then-Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio gave a brief but impactful speech calling for a Church that is less self-referential and more engaged with the modern world—setting the stage for his election as Pope Francis.
During the conclave itself, strict silence is observed. The ceremony begins with the words “Extra omnes!” (“Everyone out!”) announced in Latin, signaling that only the voting cardinals may remain inside.
What the Church Needs
The Catholic Church faces a challenging global environment marked by declining church attendance in the West, growth in Africa and Asia, ongoing clerical abuse scandals, and demands for institutional reforms. As such, cardinals may prioritize candidates who emphasize:
- Openness to dialogue with modern society
- Administrative competence
- Strong theological grounding
- Commitment to transparency and reform
Hints about which priorities dominate will surface in sermons, interviews, and the daily meetings in Rome.
A Global Moment
The funeral of Pope Francis will draw world leaders such as U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the Vatican. Millions around the globe will be watching closely—not only to mourn a pope but to glimpse the future of the Church.
As the College of Cardinals prepares to fulfill its sacred duty, Catholics and observers alike await the moment when white smoke rises again over St. Peter’s Square, announcing: Habemus Papam — We have a Pope.
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