Conclave 2025 LIVE: Cardinals gather in Sistine Chapel to elect Pope’s successor
Stay updated with live coverage of Conclave 2025 as cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel to elect the next Pope.
The long-awaited Conclave 2025 is officially underway, and the world is watching as the College of Cardinals begins the process of electing the next leader of the Catholic Church. Taking place in the Sistine Chapel, this highly secretive event will determine who will succeed Pope Francis after his tenure. Millions of Catholics around the world eagerly anticipate the outcome as the election unfolds over the coming days.
How does a conclave work?
The voting in the conclave is considered one of the most ritualized and secretive processes in the world. Here's how it works in five key points:
- Cardinals lock themselves inside the Sistine Chapel, without contact with the outside, to ensure complete privacy.
- Each cardinal secretly writes down the name of their papal candidate on a ballot.
- The votes are collected and counted. To win, a candidate needs at least two-thirds of the votes.
- If no one reaches the majority, the ballots are burned, and black smoke emerges. If there is a winner, the smoke is white: "Habemus papam!"
- If no one is elected, the process is repeated until someone secures the necessary votes.
When a new pope is elected after the conclave, white smoke will emerge. Photo: Vatican News
Who are the favorite candidates for the conclave?
The leading favorite candidates for the 2025 conclave are:
- Pietro Parolin (Italy)
- Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines)
- Matteo Zuppi (Italy)
- Robert Francis Prevost (United States)
- Fridolin Ambongo (Democratic Republic of the Congo)
Conclave 2025: Who is Pietro Parolin? One of the favorite candidates for the conclave?
The Italian cardinal is being widely considered as one of the main figures of this conclave to become the new pope. Pietro Parolin, born in 1955, is well respected among the Vatican for overseeing the Church's diplomatic and international affairs.
Pietro Parolin was Pope Francis's secretary. Photo: AFP
As Pope Francis' loyal secretary, Parolin earned a reputation of incredible diplomatic skills, conciliatory approach, and ability to navigate through difficult situations. However, he is often described as a modest introvert and is known for keeping a low profile with the public.
Conclave 2025: Who is Luis Antonio Tagle? One of the top contenders in the conclave
Born in Manila in 1957, is one of the most important figures of the Catholic Church in Asia. His approachable nature made it possible for him to connect in a deeper level with people from all backgrounds.
Luis Antonio Tagle might be able to become the first Asian pope. Photo: Zenit
"Chito", as people often refer to him, is well known for his passion and commitment to those in need, especially the poor and migrants. Because all of this, he is considered a strong candidate for Pope Francis' successor.
Conclave 2025: Who is Matteo Zuppi? Another top contender for the papacy
Within the Italian Church, Matteo Zuppi is one of the most prominent figures. His role as Archibishop of Bologna, gained him the respect and trust of many of his peers, due to his straightforward approach and close connections with the community.
Matteo Zuppi might become the first Italian pope since John Paul. Photo: Global News
Cardinal Zuppi has very progressive views within the Church, advocating for both social and pastoral issues such as the blessing of LGBTQ+ couples and their rights as well as interfaith dialogue, and the defense of immigrants.
Conclave 2025: Who is Robert Prevost? The U.S. candidate
Cardinal Robert Prevost is one of the favorites American candidates for the papacy. Born in the U.S., he moved to Peru as a young missionary, before eventually traveling to the Vatican to support Pope Francis.
Cardinal Robert Prevost is the American candidate for the papacy. Photo: CNS / Lola Gómez
During Pope Francis' papacy, Robert Prevost served as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, the Vatican body responsible for recommending candidates to be bishops in most Latin Rite dioceses worldwide. Additionally, he was the president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.
Black smoke in the Vatican: Conclave 2025 does not end yet
On May 7, black smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, sending a clear message to the world: there is still no new Pope. This traditional ritual indicates that the 133 cardinals, gathered in conclave, have not yet reached the necessary consensus to elect the next pontiff.
Black smoke in the vatican, a new pope has not yet been elected. Photo: RTVE
Each time the dark smoke is emitted, a result of a special chemical mixture, it confirms that the voting continues without a definitive outcome.
