The Catholic Church is currently in the historic process of choosing its next leader, following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025.
Here’s a concise guide to what’s happening, how the next will be chosen, and when the world can expect the announcement.
When Will the Next Pope Be Announced?
- The papal conclave, the secretive election to choose the 267th pope, began on May 7, 2025, in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel.
- The 133 cardinal electors (all under age 80) are locked inside until a new pope is chosen.
- Voting occurs up to four times daily-twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon.
- There is no set duration; past conclaves have lasted from a single day to several days, but since 1831, none has exceeded four days.
- The world will know a new pope has been elected when white smoke rises from the Sistine Chapel chimney and the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica ring out.
How Is the Pope Chosen?
- Each cardinal writes the name of their chosen candidate on a ballot and places it in a chalice at the altar, swearing an oath of honesty.
- A two-thirds majority-at least 89 votes out of 133-is required for election.
- If no one is elected after three days, voting pauses for a day of prayer and reflection, then resumes; after 21 rounds, only the top two candidates remain eligible.
- Once a candidate accepts, he chooses a papal name and dons white vestments in the “Room of Tears”.
The Announcement and First Appearance
- A cardinal will step onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to declare, “Habemus papam!” (“We have a pope!”) and announce the new pope’s chosen name.
- The new pope then appears to greet the crowd, a moment watched by millions worldwide.
Who Will Be the Next Pope?
- The identity of the next pope remains unknown until the moment of the official announcement. Speculation is common, but the process is strictly secret, and any cardinal elector is eligible.
In Summary
The next pope will be announced as soon as a candidate secures a two-thirds majority in the conclave, which began May 7, 2025. Watch for white smoke and the “Habemus papam!” declaration from St. Peter’s Basilica to know when the new leader of the Catholic Church has been chosen