Overview and Background

On May 6, 2025, cardinals will begin moving into Vatican accommodations in preparation for the conclave set to elect a new pope following the death of Pope Francis on April 21. A total of 133 cardinal electors from 70 countries will convene in the Sistine Chapel on May 7. This conclave is notable for being the largest and most internationally diverse in history, with cardinals staying at both the Santa Marta guesthouse and Santa Marta Vecchia due to room limitations.

The cardinals will be sworn to secrecy, facing excommunication for any breaches regarding conclave proceedings. Communication with the outside world is restricted; the Vatican will cut phone signals within its walls, and the progress of the election will be signaled through the burning of ballots, producing either black or white smoke.

Key Findings

• The primary goal for the new pope is to enhance the Church's relevance, especially among youth, amid ongoing challenges such as sexual abuse scandals and declining membership.
• Cardinals are divided between conservative and progressive views, with considerations on geographical representation, especially from Africa and Asia.
• Pastoral issues and geopolitical factors, including the Church's relationship with China, are significant considerations for the electors.
• Notable contenders for the papacy include Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle and Cardinal Pietro Parolin, both of whom have differing views on issues like LGBTQ inclusion and Church governance.
• The conclave reflects a tension between maintaining continuity with Pope Francis’s reforms and addressing the concerns of traditionalists within the Church.

Cardinal William Seng Chye Goh emphasized the need for a leader who can spread the Catholic faith and engage young people. The conclave's decisions will significantly impact the global Catholic community, which comprises approximately 1.4 billion members.

“We need a superman!” - Cardinal William Seng Chye Goh

As the cardinals prepare to cast their votes, the outcome of the conclave remains uncertain, with many variables influencing their choices and the future direction of the Catholic Church.