Cardinals from around the world have begun the secretive conclave in the Sistine Chapel to elect the next pope, following the death of Pope Francis on April 21 This conclave, starting May 7, 202, is notable for its unprecedented diversity: over 130 cardinal electors from nearly 70 countries, many of whom are meeting each other for the first time
The process is steeped in tradition-cardinals are locked away, voting up to four times daily, with black smoke signaling no decision and white smoke announcing a new pope has been chosen No conclave has lasted more than four days since 1, but with deep divisions between progressive and conservative factions, the outcome remains unpredictable
Among the leading names circulating are Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Italy’s Vatican secretary of state, seen as a steady, unifying figure, and Cardinal Luis Tagle of the Philippines, representing the Church’s growing presence in the Global South Speculation also surrounds candidates from the U.S., Africa, and beyond
As the world watches for the first sign of white smoke, the question remains: who will step onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica as the 267th pope, and what direction will he chart for a divided Church?
