The Catholic Church has entered a pivotal moment as 133 cardinals from around the world gather in Vatican City for the historic papal conclave to elect the next pope.
This conclave follows the recent death of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88. It marks the largest gathering of voting cardinals in Church history, with most appointed by the late pontiff himself.
Representatives hail from all corners of the globe; Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe, reflecting the Church’s growing diversity. Among the frontrunners speculated to succeed Pope Francis are Cardinals Pietro Parolin of Italy, Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, and Matteo Zuppi, also of Italy.
The voting takes place inside the Sistine Chapel under strict secrecy. Ballots are burned after each round—black smoke means no decision, while white smoke signals the election of a new pope.
With up to four votes per day and conclaves in recent history lasting just a few days, the world could soon learn the identity of the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
Now, all eyes remain on the chimney above the Sistine Chapel—waiting for the white smoke that will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the Church’s 2,000-year history.
