The doors of the Sistine Chapel close today as 133 cardinals begin the secret conclave to elect the next pope.

WORLD NEWS By Aniket Chakraborty May 6, 2025 Arrow

All cardinals under 80 have arrived in Rome, surrendering their phones and sealing themselves off from the world.

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The conclave starts with a solemn Mass at St Peter’s Basilica, followed by voting rounds behind locked doors.

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Ballots are cast twice daily, and black or white smoke signals if a pope has been chosen.

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This year’s conclave is the most geographically and ideologically diverse in the Church’s history.

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Leading contenders include Cardinal Luis Tagle from the Philippines and Cardinal Pietro Parolin from Italy.

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African voices rise too, with Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo of Congo seen as a strong conservative contender.

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Italy’s Cardinal Matteo Zuppi and Hungary’s Cardinal Peter Erdo are also being closely watched.

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The new pope will be revealed with the timeless words from St. Peter’s Basilica: "Habemus Papam."

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As the world waits, the conclave promises mystery, suspense, and a pivotal moment for 1.4 billion Catholics.

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