Papal Conclave 2025 is set to begin on Wednesday, May 7, as 133 cardinals from across the world gather inside the Sistine Chapel to elect the next pope following the death of Pope Francis on April 21. This historic event marks a turning point for the Catholic Church as it decides who will become the 267th pontiff. With global attention fixed on Rome, there’s intense speculation around the top candidates, betting odds, and how this secretive process unfolds.

Here's everything you need to know about the Papal Conclave 2025—from key dates and front runners to the electoral process and who could become the new spiritual leader of more than 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide.

When does the 2025 papal conclave start and how does it work?

The 2025 papal conclave begins on May 7, just over two weeks after Pope Francis's passing. Held inside the Sistine Chapel, the conclave is governed by strict protocols and centuries-old traditions. Only cardinal electors under the age of 80—133 in total this year—are allowed to vote. They will remain isolated from the outside world until a new pope is chosen.

The voting process includes up to four secret ballots per day, and to elect a pope, a two-thirds majority (at least 89 votes) is required. After each ballot, smoke signals from the chapel chimney reveal the outcome: black smoke means no decision, while white smoke signals a successful election.

What does voting look like during the conclave?

Voting begins with a morning Mass, followed by an afternoon entry into the Sistine Chapel. On the first day, cardinals vote once. From the second day on, they hold up to four ballots a day — two in the morning and two in the afternoon.

Each vote is handwritten on a paper reading, Elijo como Supremo Pontífice (“I elect as Supreme Pontiff”), followed by the candidate’s name. Ballots are folded, carried to the altar, and dropped into a special urn.

Three scrutineers (cardinals chosen at random) count and read each vote aloud. Ballots are threaded together with a needle and burned in a stove. The color of the smoke tells the world what's happening inside:

• Black smoke means no decision.
• White smoke signals a new pope has been chosen.

To win, a candidate must get a two-thirds majority — this year, that's at least 89 votes out of 133.

If no pope is chosen after three days, the cardinals pause for a day of prayer and reflection. Then, seven more ballots are held. This cycle can happen three times, after which the two frontrunners enter a runoff vote, though they cannot vote themselves.

In modern history, conclaves haven’t lasted long. In fact, the last 12 papal elections since 1846 wrapped up in three to five days.

Who are the front runners in the papal conclave 2025?

Several top candidates are currently in the spotlight. Leading the race is Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, who is considered the favorite. Known for his diplomatic skills, Parolin played a key role in the Vatican’s 2018 agreement with China over bishop appointments. Despite his experience, some critics question his leadership due to past financial controversies.

Another strong contender is Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines. At 67 years old, Tagle is popular for his progressive stance and is often described as the "Asian Francis." His selection would make him the first Asian pope in history.

Also in the mix is Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana, who at 76 years old could become the first African pope in over 1,500 years. He’s well-known for advocating for social justice and climate issues.

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, 69, of Italy, has also emerged as a favorite. He’s been involved in international peace efforts and represents a moderate yet reform-minded voice within the Church.

What are the betting odds for the next pope?

According to recent betting data from New York Post, the current odds to become the next pope are:

• Cardinal Pietro Parolin – 15/8
  
  
• Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle – 5/2
  
  
• Cardinal Peter Turkson – 5/1
  
  
• Cardinal Matteo Zuppi – 6/1
  
  

Bookmakers are also taking bets on what name the new pope will choose. Popular guesses include Leo and Pius, both deeply rooted in Church history.

Why does the conclave remain so secret?

The Sistine Chapel has been retrofitted with high-tech security measures to prevent any leaks. From electronic jamming devices to physical sweeps for hidden microphones, the Vatican is going all out to keep the proceedings confidential. As Reuters described it, this is where "Michelangelo meets James Bond"—a nod to the tight secrecy and majestic setting of the conclave.

All cardinals are sworn to complete secrecy. Breaking this oath can result in excommunication.

How long will it take to elect the new pope?

There’s no set timeline for how long the conclave can last. Some experts believe that a new pope could be elected within a few days, especially if the cardinals rally around a clear favorite. Others suggest it could take longer if debates around ideology and global representation stall progress.

With growing divisions between traditionalists and reformers in the College of Cardinals, consensus might not come easily.

Papal conclave 2025

The Papal Conclave 2025 is more than a religious event—it’s a global moment. As the Church faces questions around modern values, global leadership, and reform, the next pope will shape Catholicism’s future for generations. Whether it’s Parolin, Tagle, Turkson, or Zuppi, the world will be watching as white smoke rises from the Vatican.

FAQs:

Q: When does the Papal Conclave 2025 start and how many cardinals are voting?
A: It starts May 7 with 133 cardinal electors.

Q: Who are the top candidates in Papal Conclave 2025?
A: Parolin, Tagle, Turkson, and Zuppi are top contenders.