global spiritual transition

How the next Pope will be selected: The Conclave process explained

Pope Francis reshaped the papal electorate during his tenure. He appointed nearly 80% of the cardinals eligible to vote

Senior Writer

UPDATED APRIL 23, 2025 12:24 PM EDTAPR 23, 2025, 12:24 PM EDT

In a moment that marks the end of an era and the beginning of a high-stakes global spiritual transition, Pope Francis passed away on April 21 at the age of 88, just a day after delivering Easter Sunday blessings to thousands in St. Peter's Square. According to the Vatican, the pontiff suffered a stroke and irreversible cardiovascular arrest. His doctor, Andrea Arcangeli, said the Pope had fallen into a coma before he died.

As the world reflects on the legacy of Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio (the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Americas), his death sets in motion the ancient and secretive process of electing his successor.

Pope Francis delivers his Urbi Et Orbi Blessing from the balcony overlooking St. Peter's Square in Vatican City, Vatican, on April 20, 2025

Let's walk through what happens next, what's at stake, and who could be wearing the white cassock in the coming weeks.

Pope Francis Is Dead. Now What?

The Catholic Church doesn't just flip a "Now Hiring" sign when a Pope dies. Instead, it enters a special transition period known as the interregnum—Latin for "between reigns." Until a new pope is chosen, the Church is in sede vacante ("the seat is vacant"), and no major decisions are made.

Irish-born US Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell holds incense next to Pope Francis' coffin on April 23, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican.

The camerlengo (currently Cardinal Kevin Farrell) temporarily takes over Vatican administrative duties and is in charge of organizing the conclave, the ultra-private papal election.

Meanwhile, the Church begins nine official days of mourning called the novendiales, honoring the deceased Pope with daily Masses and ceremonies.

Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Joseph Farrell addresses the audience as he sits in front of the open casket containing the body of Pope Francis in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican on April 23, 2025.

Inside the Secretive Conclave

The conclave will begin 15 to 20 days after Francis's death. Here's where things get very Da Vinci Code, without the fictional treasure maps.

Only cardinals under the age of 80 are elected and locked inside Vatican City. There are no phones, texts, or Instagram papal polls.

The 120 eligible cardinals will attend general congregations to discuss the Church's pressing issues beforehand. These could include everything from LGBTQ+ inclusion to migration to how the Church should respond to scandals and modernization.

Who Picks the Pope? And Who's in the Running?

Pope Francis reshaped the papal electorate during his tenure. By the end of 2024, he will have appointed nearly 80% of the cardinals eligible to vote, many with more progressive leanings.

An infographic titled "Papal selection process (Conclave)" created in Ankara, Turkiye on April 22, 2025. The Dean of the College of Cardinals will invite the College of Cardinals (Conclave) to convene in the Vatican for the Papal Election within 20 days following the Pope's funeral. (Photo by Mehmet Yaren Bozgun/Anadolu via Getty Images)

So, who are the frontrunners in this divine job search? Here's the Vatican's version of the draft list:

This combination of file pictures created on April 22, 2025 shows French cardinals who will be called upon in a conclave to elect the successor to late Pope Francis.

Jean-Marc Aveline (66, France)

A refugee himself, Aveline champions interfaith dialogue and migrant support. Considered Francis's "favorite," he has a moderate tone on hot-button topics like same-sex blessings.

Joseph Tobin (72, USA)

Outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, women's roles in the Church, and migrants. Clashed with Mike Pence over refugee policy. Bold and progressive.

Juan Jose Omella (79, Spain)

Close to Francis but with a more conservative voice. His take on sexual abuse reports has stirred controversy.

Pietro Parolin (70, Italy)

Currently, the Vatican's Secretary of State and the Church's top diplomat. Fluent in geopolitical chess.

Péter Erdő (72, Hungary)

A traditionalist with a complex immigration history. Once compared to accepting refugees to smuggling, his stance softened.

Peter Turkson (76, Ghana)

A papabili with global cred. Champion for human dignity and environmental justice. They would be the Church's first Black Pope.

Luis Antonio Tagle (67, Philippines)

If elected, he'd be the first modern-day Asian Pope. He is known for empathy, humility, and progressive outreach.

Mario Grech (68, Malta)

Heads the Vatican's Synod, a summit on the Church's future. Balances traditional doctrine with progressive openness.

Matteo Maria Zuppi (69, Italy)

A Francis-style bridge-builder, Zuppi engages in international diplomacy and champions inclusion, prison reform, and LGBTQ+ rights.

Why This Matters (Beyond Vatican Walls)

This papal election isn't just about the Church; it's about where 1.3 billion Catholics (and the curious world watching) are headed. Will the Church double down on tradition? Will it lean into progress? Will it continue Francis's path of compassion and reform, or will it swerve?

With scandals, declining church attendance in the West, and growing congregations in the Global South, the next Pope will be steering through cultural, moral, and geopolitical storms.

Pope Francis meets students at Portugal's Catholic University on August 03, 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal.

While the selection process is veiled in ritual and mystery, the implications are crystal clear. The decision made in that Sistine Chapel puff of white smoke will shape the direction of one of the world's most powerful spiritual institutions for decades to come.

So, habemus papam? Not yet. But stay tuned. The world's most sacred election is about to begin.