Politics
A New Era Begins: What to Expect from the 2025 Papal Conclave
2025 Papal Conclave — One of the most revered customs in the Catholic Church has been set in motion following the passing of Pope Francis. As the world mourns, the College of Cardinals has gathered in Vatican City to prepare for the sacred conclave that will select the next spiritual leader of the 1.3 billion Catholics around the globe.
A Historic Prelude to the 2025 Papal Conclave
As Pope Francis’ body was moved into St. Peter’s Basilica, red-and-white-clad cardinals stood in solemn remembrance. The eligible cardinals will enter the Sistine Chapel to start the process of selecting the next pope once the funeral ceremonies are over.
Who Can Vote in the 2025 Papal Conclave?
Only 135 of the 252 cardinals in the world are eligible to vote in the conclave; they must all be younger than 80. Notably, Pope Francis appointed 108 of them, influencing the Church’s future course.
The conclave can start earlier if all electors are present, but it usually starts 15 to 20 days after the pope’s passing.
A More Global Church: Diversity in the 2025 Papal Conclave
Given the global nature of Catholicism today, this conclave is predicted to be the least European in history.
- Europe: 53 electors (about 40%)
- Asia: 23 electors (17%)
- 70+ countries represented, including first-time electors from Haiti, Laos, and Rwanda
- United States: 10 electors
In comparison, only 48 nations sent representatives to the 2013 conclave.
Modern Challenges Facing the 2025 Papal Conclave
Although the conclave has a long history, the 2025 meeting will have to deal with contemporary issues. Disparities in pastoral, political, and cultural aspects could make reaching an agreement more challenging. It is more difficult to form alliances or relationships with cardinals because many of them hardly ever interact outside of significant Church events.
This time, the chemistry is far more complex, according to Church historian Massimo Faggioli.
Leadership in the 2025 Papal Conclave: Who Guides the Process?
Cardinal Pietro Parolin will preside over this year’s conclave, which is customarily led by the dean of the College of Cardinals. This is because both the dean (Giovanni Battista Re, 91) and vice dean (Leonardo Sandri, 81) are of voting age.
Parolin, former Secretary of State under Pope Francis, will guide the conclave and preside over the opening Mass.
The Weight of Choosing a Pope: Inside the 2025 Papal Conclave
Selecting a pope is no small task.
“You’re under a lot of stress,” says Kurt Martens, a professor of canon law.
And as the old saying goes:
“The one who enters the conclave as pope comes out as a cardinal.”
— a reminder that predictions often fall short.
What’s at Stake in the 2025 Papal Conclave?
This conclave will influence the Catholic Church’s future in addition to selecting a new leader. The Church that the next pope leads will be less European, more anchored in the Global South, and more involved in the most important social and economic issues facing the globe.
The world watches, praying and hoping for the next step as the cardinals assemble.