Voting has commenced in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel as 133 cardinals gather to elect the Catholic Church’s 267th pope.
The conclave follows the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.
The conclave is a centuries-old tradition where cardinals under the age of 80 are sequestered to deliberate and vote for the new pontiff.
Who will be the next pope?
A two-thirds majority is required to elect the pope.
If no decision is reached, the cardinals return to their residence, Casa Santa Marta, to continue discussions and meals in secrecy.
The process continues until a new pope is chosen.
To ensure the confidentiality of the proceedings, the Vatican has implemented stringent security measures.
Mobile phone signals within Vatican City will be deactivated, and the Sistine Chapel has been equipped with technology to block electronic surveillance.
Among the leading candidates are Cardinal Pietro Parolin of Italy and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines.
Other potential contenders include Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline of France and Cardinal Robert Prevost of the United States.
The conclave is anticipated to conclude within a few days, with the new pope expected to address the faithful with the traditional announcement: “Habemus Papam” (We have a pope).
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