Papal Conclave 2025: Cardinals Begin Choosing the Next Pope

Today, May 7, 2025, marked a very important moment for the Catholic Church as 133 cardinals entered the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City to begin choosing the next pope.

This special gathering, called the papal conclave, is taking place after the death of Pope Francis on April 21 at the age of 88. He served as pope for more than 10 years and was known for bringing new ideas and making the Church more open to people around the world.

The day began with the cardinals walking into the chapel and promising to keep everything secret. They then held their first vote. At the end of the day, black smoke came out of the chapel’s chimney, which means no new pope was chosen yet.

This is the biggest and most international conclave ever, with cardinals from 71 countries. Most of them were chosen by Pope Francis, so his ideas will still have a big influence. Some names being mentioned as possible new popes include Cardinals Pietro Parolin from Italy, Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines, Robert Sarah from Guinea, and Jean-Marc Aveline from France. But in the past, the final choice has often surprised everyone.

Voting will continue every day with up to four votes a day until one cardinal gets enough support. When white smoke rises from the chimney, it will be the sign that a new pope has been elected.

We’ll keep you updated as the conclave continues.