Pope Francis's Successor Elected: What Went Down at the Papal Conclave
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- Papal Conclave
- Vatican
- Rome
- Pope
Cardinal casts ballot in Pope selection process - Preparing for the Selection of a New Pope
In Rome, the Vatican's historic quarter has been abuzz with anticipation as the 133 cardinal-electors convened for the much-discussed Papal Conclave in May 2025.
The 2025 Conclave: A New Pope Begins His Reign
The conclave, held in the hallowed halls of the Sistine Chapel, was no ordinary gathering. The turn of the page in the Vatican's storybook had come, as the 170 cardinals from across the globe descended on Rome to participate in the momentous proceedings.
Preparatory Meetings: General Congregations
The days leading up to the conclave saw a flurry of activity. From May 6th to 7th, the 170 cardinals gathered for General Congregations, engaging in prayer and discussion to pave the way for the soon-to-be elected pontiff.
The Mass & Procession: A Solemn Ceremony
The morning of May 7th was marked by a mass held in St. Peter's Basilica, followed by a solemn procession to the Sistine Chapel. With reverence and ceremony, the 133 cardinal-electors, clad in red and their heads covered, entered the Sistine Chapel for the conclave to officially commence.
The Conclave: Electing the 267th Pope
As the afternoon sun cast its golden glow over Vatican City, the vote began. In hushed secrecy, the cardinal-electors cast their ballots, searching for the worthy successor to the late Pope Francis.
A series of votes followed, the smoke from the chimney on the Sistine Chapel signaling the world whether progress had been made or the process continued. Finally, on the fifth day of deliberations, a new pope was elected, drawing the historic chapter to a close.
Pope Francis: A Key absence
Though the late Pope Francis was undoubtedly on the mind of every cardinal present at the conclave, the conclave itself was not a gathering to elect his successor as a candidate—that had already happened with his passing. Instead, Pope Francis left a profound legacy for his chosen successor to uphold.
With the dust settling on the Papal Conclave, an air of hope and contemplation hangs over Vatican City. As the world eagerly awaits the new pope's formal introduction, the outlook is one of plurality, unity, and faith in what the future may bring.
- The pope's successor, elected during the 2025 Papal Conclave, began his reign.
- The conclave, held in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, brought together 133 cardinal-electors from different parts of the world.
- During the days leading up to the conclave, the cardinals engaged in prayer and discussion in General Congregations.
- The morning of May 7th was marked by a mass in St. Peter's Basilica and a solemn procession to the Sistine Chapel, where the conclave officially commenced.
- Despite Pope Francis being a significant presence during the proceedings, the conclave was not a gathering to elect him as a candidate. Instead, he left a profound legacy for his chosen successor.
