Vatican in Mourning as Conclave 2025 Officially Begins
Rome, May 7, 2025 – The Catholic Church has entered a solemn yet historic moment as the 2025 conclave officially begins at the Vatican. The College of Cardinals has gathered behind closed doors in the Sistine Chapel to elect a successor to Pope Francis, who passed away unexpectedly on May 3 at the age of 88.
Church bells rang across Rome as the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square to pray and await news, while speculation over frontrunners and potential papal directions has taken over both religious and political circles.
Inside the Conclave: Ritual, Secrecy, and Politics
The conclave follows centuries-old tradition: 124 cardinal-electors under the age of 80 are locked inside the Sistine Chapel, where they will vote in secret until one candidate receives a two-thirds majority. The famous black and white smoke signals will indicate the outcome of each voting round.
Sources inside the Vatican report heightened tensions this year, with clear divisions between progressive cardinals, who hope to continue Pope Francis’s reforms, and conservatives, seeking a return to doctrinal rigor.
Rumors and Controversy
Italian media report that several cardinals have faced last-minute scrutiny, with unconfirmed allegations of financial irregularities and abuse cover-ups in their home dioceses. While the Vatican has not confirmed any disqualifications, such reports may influence voting behind the scenes.
There is also renewed debate about electing a pope from the Global South — particularly Africa or Latin America — to reflect the growing demographic shift in the Church.
Leading Candidates
Among the most mentioned names:
- Cardinal Luis Tagle (Philippines): close to Francis, progressive but unifying
- Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana): seen as a potential first African pope
- Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy): strong support in Europe, bridge between factions
- Cardinal Raymond Burke (USA): conservative and controversial
What’s Next?
Voting is expected to begin the morning of May 8, with up to four ballots per day. If no pope is elected by day four, a pause and reflection day will be held before voting resumes.
The Church and the world now await the white smoke — and the words “Habemus Papam.”
