For the first time since Pope Francis passed, the Catholic Church is at a major crossroads.
On Wednesday, 133 cardinals from around the world entered one of the most secretive and sacred rituals in the Church’s history — the conclave to choose a new pope.
Coming from 70 different countries, this conclave is the most globally diverse ever.
The cardinals were required to hand over their phones, disconnect from the outside world, and commit to silence as they set out to elect the 267th pope of the Church’s 2,000-year legacy.
Pope Francis’ Legacy Shapes the Choice Ahead
Pope Francis left a strong imprint on the Church, having personally appointed 108 of the 133 voting cardinals.
Many of his selections were from regions that had never seen a cardinal before — places like Mongolia, Sweden, and Tonga.
He expanded the voting group beyond the usual 120, inviting younger members from economically underrepresented parts of the world, known as the “Global South.”
This shift has made the conclave more unpredictable.
Many cardinals are meeting for the first time, which may lengthen the decision-making process as they work toward the required two-thirds majority — 89 votes — needed to elect a new pope.
Brushing Up on the Process… With a Movie
Some cardinals, unfamiliar with the voting procedure, reportedly turned to the film Conclave — a fictionalized look at papal elections released just months before Pope Francis’ death — to prepare for the real thing.
Before entering the Sistine Chapel, the cardinals attended a final mass led by 91-year-old Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who also presided over Pope Francis’ funeral.
The day then shifted into solemnity as the group walked into the chapel, chanting ancient hymns and swearing oaths of secrecy before the chapel doors closed.
The Ritual of Voting and the Mystery of Smoke
Each cardinal will write their chosen name on a ballot inscribed with Latin words meaning “I elect as Supreme Pontiff.”
The ballot is placed into a ceremonial urn, and the counting process begins.
If no candidate receives enough votes, black smoke is released from the chapel’s chimney.
White smoke will signal that a new pope has been chosen.
Typically, the process takes several rounds.
For context, Pope John Paul I was elected in three ballots, John Paul II in eight, and Pope Francis in five.
External Pressures and Calls for Reform
Although cardinals are supposed to vote without outside influence, lobbying efforts were in full swing before the conclave began.
Advocacy groups pushed their causes — from clergy abuse survivors demanding accountability, to women’s rights activists sending pink smoke signals over the Vatican in protest of gender inequality in Church leadership.
Young Catholics also wrote an open letter urging the Church to be more inclusive and listen to the voices of youth, women, and lay members.
A Divided Church Awaits Its Next Leader
The next pope will face intense decisions: Should the Church continue Francis’ progressive path, or return to a more traditional stance?
Issues like women’s roles, LGBTQ+ acceptance, and climate justice are all on the table.
Despite the majority of voters being Francis appointees, the direction the Church will take remains uncertain.
Who’s Likely to Become Pope? A Look at the Contenders
Pietro Parolin – The Diplomat
Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, 70, is currently the frontrunner.
Known for his diplomatic work as Pope Francis’ Secretary of State, he played a key role in Vatican-China relations.
However, he’s also been linked (though not charged) to a financial scandal involving a London real estate deal.
Still, he’s widely respected and seen as a strong candidate with global vision.
Pierbattista Pizzaballa – The Peace Builder
Cardinal Pizzaballa, 60, is the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem.
Fluent in multiple languages, he has built bridges between faiths in the Middle East.
His offer to exchange himself for hostages taken by Hamas in 2023 won admiration.
However, some worry he may be too young, with fears of another long papacy like John Paul II’s 26-year tenure.
Matteo Zuppi – The Street Priest
Cardinal Zuppi, 69, hails from Bologna and is known for his down-to-earth style — he cycles around town and appears on Italian talk shows.
A progressive voice, he has worked on Ukraine peace efforts and advocated for marginalized communities.
He’s popular among reformists, though some conservatives are wary of his stance on LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Other Names in the Mix
Luis Antonio Tagle, the 67-year-old former Archbishop of Manila, is nicknamed the “Asian Francis.”
He has a reputation for being deeply compassionate and inclusive but remains conservative on certain issues like women’s ordination.
Robert Francis Prevost, an American known as “Father Bob,” has surprised many by emerging as a contender.
He’s spent years working in Peru and is seen as a quiet reformer, though past allegations about mishandled abuse cases shadow his candidacy.
Peter Erdo of Hungary, 73, is a staunch conservative.
Known for his hardline views on LGBTQ+ issues and a serious demeanor, he’s seen by some as the “anti-Francis” — the kind of candidate traditionalists might rally behind.
Fridolin Ambongo Besungu from Congo, 65, has gained media attention.
He supports the Pope’s stance on climate action and poverty but holds more conservative views on sexuality.
His comments on same-sex unions sparked backlash, especially his claim that “homosexuality doesn’t exist in Africa.”
The Conclave Process: Tradition Down to the Last Detail
Each round of voting is a precise ritual. Votes are cast in Latin, counted by three randomly chosen cardinals, and then sewn together with thread before being burned.
The smoke color lets the world know what’s happening inside — black for no decision, white for a new leader.
All ballots and notes are burned to maintain secrecy, and the entire process is safeguarded by centuries-old traditions to preserve the sanctity of the choice.
What Comes Next?
Until white smoke rises, the cardinals will continue voting — up to four rounds per day — until one man secures the 89 votes needed to become the new pope.
Whether the Church continues Pope Francis’ progressive legacy or takes a more conservative turn depends on what happens behind those locked doors.
Whatever the outcome, this moment will shape the future of 1.4 billion Catholics around the world.