The College of Cardinals is expected to set a date for the next papal conclave as early as Monday, following the death of Pope Francis on April 21. The secretive process to elect the next leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics could begin as soon as May 5, immediately after the nine-day mourning period concludes.
A total of 252 cardinals have been summoned to Rome, but only 135 under the age of 80 are eligible to vote. While many are meeting each other for the first time, several preliminary “general congregation” sessions have already taken place to foster dialogue and consensus ahead of the historic vote.
“There’s a beautiful, fraternal atmosphere, even if not everyone knows each other yet,” said Cardinal Gualtiero Bassetti, a retired Italian prelate.
The late Pope Francis, remembered for his humility and reformist vision, was laid to rest on Saturday at Rome’s Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica—fulfilling his wish to be buried outside the Vatican walls. Over 400,000 mourners, including world leaders and everyday pilgrims, attended his funeral.
While no clear front-runner has emerged, speculation is mounting. Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Francis’s former Secretary of State, is widely seen as a top contender. He is closely followed by Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle and Ghana’s Cardinal Peter Turkson. Other names gaining attention include Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and Cardinal Matteo Zuppi of Bologna.
British bookmakers have tipped Parolin as the favorite, but Vatican observers say the conclave could produce another surprise, much like Francis’s unexpected election in 2013.
“The next pope needs to be a unifier,” said Church historian Roberto Regoli, warning that ideological divisions—particularly among conservatives in the U.S. and parts of Africa—could influence the vote.
Some 80% of the electors were appointed by Francis, but analysts note that doesn’t guarantee the election of a like-minded successor. “It’s not just about continuity,” said Spanish Cardinal José Cobo. “The next pope must match the moment.”
Voting will take place inside the Sistine Chapel under Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes. Ballots are cast four times daily until one candidate secures a two-thirds majority.
African Cardinal Dieudonné Nzapalainga stressed the importance of electing a pontiff with a global perspective: “We must not look at colour or origin, but at vision. We need a courageous leader—someone who can steer the Church through storms.”
Many Catholics are hoping for a pope who continues Francis’s legacy of compassion and inclusion. “Churches are empty, and the scandals have damaged trust,” said Italian pilgrim Patrizia Spotti. “We need a pope who can heal, like Francis did.”
The conclave’s timing and outcome remain uncertain—but what is clear is the gravity of the decision ahead, one that will shape the future of the Catholic Church in a time of global upheaval.
