What's happened
The conclave to elect the successor to Pope Francis, who died on April 21, begins today in the Sistine Chapel. With 135 voting cardinals from diverse backgrounds, discussions will focus on the future direction of the Catholic Church amid internal divisions and pressing global issues.
What's behind the headline?
Key Considerations for the Conclave
- Diversity of Perspectives: The conclave features cardinals from over 70 countries, reflecting a broader representation than previous elections. This diversity may influence the selection of a pope who can address global issues effectively.
- Internal Church Dynamics: The Church is currently divided between progressive factions advocating for continued reform and conservative elements seeking to revert to traditional practices. The new pope will need to navigate these tensions carefully.
- Expectations for Leadership: Candidates are expected to embody qualities such as charisma, diplomacy, and the ability to unify the Church. Cardinal Pietro Parolin is seen as a leading candidate due to his diplomatic experience, while Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle is noted for his pastoral approach.
- Challenges Ahead: The next pope will inherit significant challenges, including addressing clerical sexual abuse scandals and the Church's relationship with other faiths. The outcome of this conclave will likely shape the Church's direction for years to come.
What the papers say
According to Al Jazeera, the conclave will begin today with 135 cardinals eligible to vote, emphasizing the need for a unifying figure to address the Church's divisions. The New York Times highlights the unpredictability of the election, noting that many cardinals are unfamiliar with each other, which could lead to a more complex voting process. The Guardian points out that the cardinals' discussions will focus on the legacy of Pope Francis and the direction the Church should take moving forward. Meanwhile, Bloomberg notes that the outcome remains uncertain, with various candidates representing different factions within the Church.
How we got here
Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, after a 12-year papacy marked by significant reforms. Following his death, cardinals convened to discuss the qualities needed in his successor, leading to today's conclave.
Go deeper
- What qualities are the cardinals looking for in the new pope?
- How will the new pope address the Church's challenges?
- What impact did Pope Francis have on the Church?
Common question
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What to Expect from the Upcoming Papal Conclave?
With the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, the Catholic Church is preparing for a significant transition. The upcoming conclave, set to begin on May 7, will see 135 cardinals gather to elect a new pope. This pivotal moment raises many questions about the candidates, the challenges ahead, and the future direction of the Church.
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What to Expect from the Pope Conclave: Key Candidates and Issues
As the conclave to elect a new pope begins today, many are curious about the candidates, the issues at stake, and how the Catholic Church plans to navigate its internal divisions. This pivotal moment in the Church's history raises numerous questions about its future direction and leadership.
More on these topics
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Pope Francis is the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State. Francis is the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, the first from the Southern Hemisphere, and the first pope from outside Europe since the Syrian Gregory
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Vatican City, officially the Vatican City State, is the Holy See's independent city-state enclaved within Rome, Italy. Vatican City became independent from Italy with the Lateran Treaty, and it is a distinct territory under "full ownership, exclusive domi
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Pietro Parolin is an Italian prelate of the Catholic Church. A cardinal since February 2014, he has served as the Secretary of State since October 2013 and a member of the Council of Cardinal Advisers since July 2014.
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Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle is a Filipino prelate of the Catholic Church who has been the Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples since December 8, 2019. He was the 32nd Archbishop of Manila from 2011 to 2019.
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Lars Anders Cardinal Arborelius (Swedish: [ˈânːdɛʂ arbʊˈrěːlɪɵs]; born 24 September 1949) is a senior-ranking Swedish Catholic prelate who has served as Bishop of Stockholm since 1998. Pope Francis made him a cardinal, the first ever from Scan
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