The Catholic’s College of Cardinals has gathered in Rome for the Conclave 2025, a sacred and confidential gathering to elect a new pope.
Eight top contenders have emerged as potential candidates to replace the late Pope Francis, who passed away in April 2025 at the age of 88.
Top Contenders
The following cardinals are considered frontrunners in the election:
- Cardinal Wim Eijk, 71, Netherlands
- Cardinal Mario Grech, 67, Malta
- Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, 69, Italy
- Cardinal Raymond Burke, 76, United States of America
- Cardinal Pietro Parolin, 70, Italy
- Cardinal Peter Erdo, 72, Hungary
- Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, 65, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, 67, Philippines
The Conclave Process
The conclave is a centuries-old tradition where 133 eligible cardinals from 70 countries gather in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope. The process began with the Pro Eligendo Pontifice Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, seeking divine guidance in choosing the next pontiff. The cardinals will be sequestered from the outside world, surrendering their mobile phones and operating in a cell-phone-jammed environment.
Voting Process
Each day can include up to four ballots, and a candidate must receive at least two-thirds of the vote, 89 votes, to be elected pope. The world will know when a new pope has been chosen by the appearance of white smoke billowing from the chapel’s chimney.
What to Expect
The new pope will guide over 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, shaping the direction of the Catholic Church for years to come. Will the cardinals choose a continuity candidate to carry on Pope Francis’ legacy or someone with a new vision? The world watches in prayerful anticipation.
