The Roman Catholic College of Cardinals convenes Wednesday inside the Sistine Chapel to begin the process of electing a new pontiff, following the death of Pope Francis last month at age 88. One hundred thirty-three voting cardinals are scheduled to enter isolation for the Conclave 2025, a secretive gathering tasked with choosing the leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics.
Ahead of the gathering, Vatican authorities implemented strict security and secrecy measures. All mobile phone signals were deactivated in the Vatican area on Wednesday afternoon. Signal jammers are being used around the Sistine Chapel itself to prevent electronic surveillance or communication with the outside world.
Cardinals surrendered their electronic devices starting Tuesday. They will remain in complete isolation and take an oath to observe absolute and perpetual secrecy regarding the proceedings. Support staff, including electricians and plumbers assisting operations within the Vatican during the conclave, also took secrecy oaths and will stay overnight.
The conclave takes place as the church faces a decision regarding its future direction. Cardinals must choose whether to continue along the path set by Pope Francis, who sought to make the church more welcoming and inclusive and eased rules on matters like annulments and blessings for same-sex marriages, or elect a pope favoring a more traditional stance. Cardinal Raymond Burke has been among those critical of Francis' efforts, citing "confusion, error and division" within the church.
Potential successors come from various regions. While Italy has historically provided the majority of popes, less than 50% of the voting cardinals are now European. Cardinals considered contenders include Italians like Matteo Zuppi and Pietro Parolin, seen as moderates, and Pierbattista Pizzaballa.
Prominent cardinals from outside Italy drawing attention include Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, Cardinal Peter Erdo of Hungary, and Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson of Ghana. The next pope is widely anticipated to hail from outside the United States.
The voting process inside the Sistine Chapel continues until a candidate secures a two-thirds majority. Ballots are burned after each vote; black smoke signals a failed ballot, while white smoke indicates a pope has been elected. A break of up to one day for prayer and discussion is permitted if no decision is reached after three days.
Massimo Faggioli, a professor at Villanova University, noted the shifting composition of the College of Cardinals impacts the current process. "There are now many cardinals from Asia and North Africa who are potential popes," Faggioli said. "That makes it different than it has been for many centuries.”
