Cardinals Set to Convene to Determine Conclave Date for Election of New Pope

VATICAN CITY — The Catholic Church is poised to enter a pivotal moment in its history as the College of Cardinals prepares to meet on April 28, 2025, to set the date for the papal conclave that will elect the successor to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. The announcement of the meeting comes as the Church observes a period of mourning and reflection, with the late pope’s funeral held on April 26, 2025, in St. Peter’s Basilica, attended by global leaders and thousands of faithful.

According to the apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, which governs the papal election process, the conclave must commence between 15 and 20 days after the death of the pope, placing the likely start date between May 6 and May 12, 2025. The cardinals’ meeting on April 28 marks the conclusion of the traditional nine-day mourning period known as the Novemdiales, during which the Church prays for the soul of the deceased pontiff and prepares for the transition to new leadership.

The conclave, a sacred and secretive gathering, will take place in the Sistine Chapel, where 135 cardinal electors—those under the age of 80 as of the pope’s death—are eligible to vote. The number of electors reflects the current composition of the College of Cardinals, with 120 being the maximum allowed under normal circumstances, though temporary exceptions can occur due to the timing of cardinals’ birthdays. These cardinals, hailing from every continent, represent the global diversity of the Church, with significant representation from Europe (56 electors), Asia (21), Africa (17), North America (16), Latin America (22), and Oceania (3).

During the conclave, the cardinals will cast ballots in a process steeped in centuries-old tradition, aiming to select a candidate who can secure a two-thirds majority (90 votes, based on the current number of electors). Voting occurs in sessions, typically twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon, with ballots burned after each round. The world will watch for the telltale smoke from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney—black smoke indicating no decision, white smoke signaling the election of a new pope. The chosen pontiff will then appear on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to greet the faithful and assume the mantle of the 266th successor to St. Peter.

The cardinals’ meeting on April 28 will not only set the conclave’s start date but also address logistical preparations, including the sealing of the Vatican from external communication to ensure the secrecy of the process. The cardinals will reside in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, a guesthouse within Vatican City, for the duration of the conclave, isolated from the outside world to focus on their solemn task.

Pope Francis’s death has prompted widespread speculation about the direction of the next pontificate. His 12-year reign was marked by efforts to promote social justice, environmental stewardship, and inclusivity within the Church, as well as reforms to the Roman Curia. However, his progressive stances on issues such as climate change, migration, and interfaith dialogue sparked divisions among some conservative factions. The cardinals now face the challenge of selecting a leader who can navigate these tensions while addressing pressing global issues, including declining vocations in the West, the rise of secularism, and the growth of Catholicism in Africa and Asia.

Among the names floated as potential candidates—often referred to as papabili—are Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, known for his charismatic preaching and pastoral approach; Cardinal Péter Erdő of Hungary, a canon law expert with a reputation for administrative competence; and Cardinal Matteo Zuppi of Italy, a peace advocate aligned with Francis’s vision. However, the unpredictable nature of conclaves means that a lesser-known figure could emerge as a compromise candidate.

As the Church awaits the conclave, Catholics worldwide are uniting in prayer for the cardinals’ discernment. The election of a new pope will not only shape the spiritual leadership of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics but also influence the Church’s role in addressing global challenges. For now, the Vatican remains a focal point of anticipation, as the ancient ritual of the conclave prepares to unfold once more.

The exact date of the conclave will be announced following the cardinals’ meeting, with the eyes of the world fixed on Rome for the next chapter in the Church’s 2,000-year history.