Papal conclave to elect the next pope begins today

Rome

Papal Conclave 2025 is set to begin on Wednesday, May 7, as 133 cardinals from across the world gather inside the Sistine Chapel to elect the next pope following the death of Pope Francis on April 21.

This historic event marks a turning point for the Catholic Church as it decides who will become the 267th pontiff.

With global attention fixed on Rome, there’s intense speculation around the top candidates, betting odds, and how this secretive process unfolds.

The 2025 papal conclave begins on May 7, just over two weeks after Pope Francis's passing. Held inside the Sistine Chapel, the conclave is governed by strict protocols and centuries-old traditions. Only cardinal electors under the age of 80—133 in total this year—are allowed to vote. They will remain isolated from the outside world until a new pope is chosen.

The voting process includes up to four secret ballots per day, and to elect a pope, a two-thirds majority (at least 89 votes) is required. After each ballot, smoke signals from the chapel chimney reveal the outcome: black smoke means no decision, while white smoke signals a successful election.

To win, a candidate must get a two-thirds majority — this year, that's at least 89 votes out of 133. Several top candidates are currently in the spotlight. Leading the race is Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, who is considered the favorite. Known for his diplomatic skills, Parolin played a key role in the Vatican’s 2018 agreement with China over bishop appointments. Despite his experience, some critics question his leadership due to past financial controversies.
Another strong contender is Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines. At 67 years old, Tagle is  ..
Tagle is popular for his progressive stance and is often described as the "Asian Francis." His selection would make him the first Asian pope in history.
Also in the mix is Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana, who at 76 years old could become the first African pope in over 1,500 years. He’s well-known for advocating for social justice and climate issues.

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, 69, of Italy, has also emerged as a favorite. He’s been involved in international peace efforts and represents a moderate yet reform-minded voice within the Church.