As the world prepares for the 2025 papal conclave, attention turns to the Vatican, where 135 cardinal electors will select the next pope following the death of Pope Francis. This article explores the conclave’s purpose, timeline, events, and history—while reflecting on the legacy of Francis, the first South American pope.
The Purpose and Timing of the Papal Conclave
With the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, the Catholic Church now enters one of its most sacred rituals: the papal conclave. The conclave exists to fulfill the Church’s need for continued spiritual leadership. It is expected to begin between May 6 and May 12, 2025, 15–20 days after Francis’s passing, per tradition.
The conclave serves not only to elect a new pope but also to symbolically affirm unity among global Catholics. Attendees include 135 cardinal electors—all under the age of 80—who have traveled from every corner of the world. Notably, 80% of these electors were appointed by Pope Francis himself, further reflecting the global diversity he championed.
Inside the Conclave: Step-by-Step Events
The conclave unfolds inside the Sistine Chapel under strict secrecy. The cardinal electors are sequestered, with no access to phones, internet, or the outside world. This ancient custom, known as “cum clave” or “with a key,” underscores the seriousness of their mission and shields them from outside influence.
It begins with a special Mass, followed by the oath of secrecy. Electors then vote up to four times daily until a two-thirds majority is reached. Ballots are burned after each round—producing black smoke if inconclusive, and white smoke when a new pope is elected.
The final vote concludes with the acceptance of the chosen cardinal, who selects a papal name and is announced from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica with the words “Habemus Papam.”
Defining ‘Conclave’: An Ancient Word with Enduring Weight
The word “conclave” stems from Latin—cum (with) and clavis (key)—meaning “locked with a key.” Originally used in ancient Rome to describe locked rooms storing valuables or detaining prisoners, the term predates Christianity.
The Church adopted it formally in the 13th century after a nearly three-year delay in electing Pope Gregory X. His decree Ubi Periculum established that electors would henceforth be locked away until a decision was made, reinforcing the idea that God speaks through unity and silence—not outside pressures.
Even in the digital age, this ancient secrecy remains intact. Phones, tablets, and laptops are banned, symbolizing a sacred return to contemplation and discernment.
How Pope Francis Was Elected—and His Lasting Impact
The 2013 conclave that elected Jorge Mario Bergoglio—Pope Francis—lasted only two days and five ballots. His election marked several firsts: the first Jesuit pope, the first pope from the Americas, and the first non-European pope in over a millennium.
Francis’s papacy dramatically reshaped the College of Cardinals. He appointed cardinals from countries that had never had representation before, including Rwanda, Laos, and Haiti. Under his leadership, Europe’s dominance in the Church has lessened, making way for a more globally representative voice. 
Today, 70 countries have cardinal electors. The upcoming 2025 conclave will be the least European in history—a major turning point for a church once centered in the West.
Takeaway: A Global Church Meets an Ancient Tradition
The 2025 conclave blends timeless tradition with today’s global realities. As cardinals gather in secret under Michelangelo’s frescoes, they carry with them the hopes of 1.4 billion Catholics. Their task is not merely administrative—it’s spiritual and deeply symbolic.
In a world driven by speed, the conclave’s locked doors remind us that discernment takes time, silence, and collective faith. The next pope will inherit a church more global than ever—less Eurocentric, more diverse, and shaped by Pope Francis’s vision of inclusion and humility.
Related Links & Further Reading
1. The History of the Word Conclave
2. Where to Watch Pope Francis’ Funeral Mass Live
3. The Papal Bull That Changed Elections
4. Vatican News – Conclave 2025 Updates