{"id":18347,"date":"2025-04-21T19:29:03","date_gmt":"2025-04-21T19:29:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rcourihay.com\/?p=18347"},"modified":"2026-03-15T13:34:14","modified_gmt":"2026-03-15T13:34:14","slug":"who-will-succeed-pope-francis-inside-the-historic-conclave-to-choose-the-next-pope","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rcourihay.com\/staging\/blog\/who-will-succeed-pope-francis-inside-the-historic-conclave-to-choose-the-next-pope\/","title":{"rendered":"Who Will Succeed Pope Francis? Inside the Historic Conclave to Choose the Next Pope"},"content":{"rendered":"

The passing of Pope Francis marks a pivotal moment for the Roman Catholic Church. With over 1.3 billion followers worldwide, all eyes now turn to the Vatican, where 138 cardinals will soon gather behind the locked doors of the Sistine Chapel to elect the next pope.<\/p>\n

This centuries-old ritual, called a conclave<\/em> (Latin for “locked room”), will shape the Church\u2019s direction for decades. Here\u2019s a breakdown of how the process works\u2014and why this conclave is unlike any before.<\/p>\n

The Basics: What Is a Papal Conclave?<\/h3>\n

The conclave is the secretive voting process used to select a new pope. It\u2019s held inside the Sistine Chapel, beneath Michelangelo\u2019s famed frescoes. To ensure privacy, electronic jamming devices block all outside communication. Once voting starts, the chapel is sealed with the traditional Latin command: Extra Omnes<\/em>\u2014’ Everyone Out.”<\/p>\n

\"Who
Who Will Succeed Pope Francis?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Only cardinals under the age of 80 can vote. As of now, 138 of the 252 cardinals in the College of Cardinals are eligible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Total Cardinals<\/strong><\/th>\nEligible to Vote<\/strong><\/th>\nAge Limit<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
252<\/td>\n138<\/td>\nUnder 80<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

A More Diverse Electorate Than Ever<\/h3>\n

Historically, the conclave was dominated by Europeans, especially Italians. That\u2019s changing. Today\u2019s College of Cardinals reflects the global nature of the Church, with members from more than 90 countries. Nearly 80% were appointed by Pope Francis himself, who prioritized diversity and inclusion.<\/p>\n

This means the upcoming election may be influenced by a broader set of perspectives than ever before. The Church is facing modern challenges\u2014sexual abuse scandals, declining attendance in the West, and growth in the Global South. The next pope will need to address them all.<\/p>\n

Learn more about the role of the College of Cardinals<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Timeline: What Happens and When?<\/h3>\n

Before voting begins, the cardinals will hold general congregations. These meetings are a chance to discuss the state of the Church and identify what qualities the next pope should have. It\u2019s also a time for cardinals who don’t know each other to connect.<\/p>\n

While politicking is expected, blatant self-promotion is frowned upon\u2014and illegal if it involves exchanging favors. The Church forbids \u201csimony,\u201d or buying votes.<\/p>\n

Expected Timeline:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Event<\/strong><\/td>\nTiming<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Papal funeral<\/td>\nDay 1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
General congregations begin<\/td>\nWithin a few days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Conclave begins<\/td>\n15\u201320 days after the funeral<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Inside the Vote: How a Pope Is Elected<\/h3>\n

The process is precise. Cardinals vote in silence, each writing a name on a paper ballot. They then approach an urn and drop their ballot while swearing before God that their vote is sincere.<\/p>\n

Nine cardinals, selected at random, oversee the election. Three act as scrutineers to count and read aloud each vote.<\/p>\n

To be elected, a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority. If that doesn’t happen, the process continues\u2014usually with up to four votes per day. Ballots are burned after each round. Black smoke signals no decision; white smoke means a new pope has been chosen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Key Figures in 2025 Conclave<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cardinal Pietro Parolin (leading)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
138 Voting Cardinals<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2\/3 Majority Required<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

If no consensus is reached after 13 days, the rules allow for a day of prayer. After that, the top two candidates face off until one reaches the required majority.<\/p>\n

The \u2018Room of Tears\u2019 and the First Blessing<\/h3>\n

Once a candidate secures enough votes and accepts the election by saying \u201cAccepto,\u201d he officially becomes the pope.<\/p>\n

He\u2019s then led to a chamber called the \u201cRoom of Tears.\u201d Here, he puts on the papal vestments and takes a moment to absorb the weight of his new role, often an emotional experience.<\/p>\n

The new pope chooses a name, usually symbolizing the values or direction he intends to emphasize. Pope Francis chose his name to honor St. Francis of Assisi, known for humility and compassion.<\/p>\n

Soon after, the pope steps onto the balcony of St. Peter\u2019s Basilica to deliver his first public message and blessing.<\/p>\n

Why This Conclave Matters<\/h3>\n

The Church is at a crossroads. With the world rapidly evolving, the next pope will need to balance tradition with the demands of modern society. He\u2019ll face pressure to address:<\/p>\n