Who will be the New Pope?

The Vatican has announced that the conclave to elect the next Pope will begin on 7 May 2025, as the Catholic Church prepares to select its 267th Pontiff following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday.

The decision came after nearly 180 cardinals met for a fifth General Congregation. Just over 100 are eligible to vote. The conclave will be held behind sealed doors in the Sistine Chapel, which will be closed to visitors during the election process.

Cardinal electors will take a solemn oath to uphold secrecy and avoid external interference. They are barred from communication with the outside world and must reach a two-thirds majority to elect a new Pope. Ballots will be burnt after each vote—black smoke signals no result; white announces a new Pope.

This comes after the deeply moving farewell to Pope Francis, whose coffin rested with the Gospel open atop it, its pages turning in the breeze. Thousands, including world leaders and young pilgrims, gathered at St Peter’s Square to honour a pontiff.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis was elected on 13 March 2013, becoming the first Jesuit, the first Latin American, and the first pope to take the name of St Francis of Assisi. His papacy was marked by a focus on humility, compassion, and social justice. He championed the poor, urged action on climate change, and consistently called for peace, especially during times of global conflict, The Vatican News reported.