With the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, the Catholic Church enters a solemn yet historic moment: the selection of a new pope.
This process, steeped in centuries of tradition, begins with a nine-day mourning period called the novendiales.
Afterward, 120 cardinals under the age of 80 will gather in the Vatican for a secretive conclave.
Held in the iconic Sistine Chapel, the conclave is a cloistered affair- no phones, no contact with the outside world. Cardinals vote in multiple secret ballots each day, and only when one receives a two-thirds majority does white smoke rise, signaling a new pope has been chosen.
Candidates aren't officially declared, but speculation swirls. Contenders include Jean-Marc Aveline of France, a refugee advocate; Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's top diplomat; and Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines, a voice for marginalized groups.
Others like Peter Turkson of Ghana and Matteo Zuppi of Italy bring global experience and progressive values.
Though tradition holds, this conclave could reflect the modern Church's diversity and shifting priorities. The world waits for the white smoke, the new name, and the next chapter of Catholic leadership.
