Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, just one day after a surprise Easter Sunday appearance at St. Peter’s Square.
Vatican City – College of Cardinals is set to decide on a date for the conclave to elect a new pope, following the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88.
The decision is expected during their fifth general congregation on Monday, after several days of meetings at the Vatican.
Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, just one day after a surprise Easter Sunday appearance at St. Peter’s Square. His death drew an outpouring of grief from around the world, culminating in a massive funeral that brought together royalty, world leaders, and hundreds of thousands of mourners at St. Peter’s Square.
Over the weekend, vast crowds continued to gather at the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome to pay respects at his marble tomb, reflecting his wish to be buried outside the Vatican walls.
The forthcoming conclave, anticipated to begin shortly after the nine days of mourning ends on May 4, could potentially start as early as May 5 or 6, according to Vatican sources. During the conclave, the 135 cardinals under the age of 80 — out of a total of 252 — will cast their votes inside the Sistine Chapel under Michelangelo’s famed ceiling.
This election could prove unpredictable. Spanish Cardinal Jose Cobo noted in an interview with El Pais that, unlike previous conclaves where frontrunners were clear, this time “many cardinals come from regions where they have barely met each other,” making predictions difficult. He added that if Francis was known as the “pope of surprises,” this conclave might similarly defy expectations.
Among the favourites to succeed Francis is Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who served as Secretary of State under the late pope. British bookmakers William Hill have listed him narrowly ahead of other prominent figures such as Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Ghana’s Cardinal Peter Turkson, and Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. Guinea’s Cardinal Robert Sarah and Italian Archbishop Matteo Zuppi also feature prominently among those considered likely candidates.
Speaking about the qualities needed in the next leader of the Catholic Church, Cardinal Dieudonne Nzapalainga of the Central African Republic emphasized the need for a “courageous” and “bold” figure capable of guiding the Church through turbulent times. “We must look beyond nationality or colour,” he told Il Messaggero, stressing that the next pope should embody universal love and offer stability amid global uncertainties.
While 80 percent of the cardinal electors were appointed by Francis himself, experts caution that this does not necessarily guarantee a successor who will mirror his vision. Roberto Regoli, a professor at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, observed that unity will be a crucial factor for the cardinals, noting that the Church currently faces internal polarizations that could complicate the selection process. “I don’t expect a very quick conclave,” he said.
Despite internal differences, Italian Cardinal Giuseppe Versaldi described the atmosphere among the cardinals as spiritually focused rather than politically charged. Speaking to La Repubblica, he said discussions have been marked by “great openness” and an emphasis on the spiritual needs of the Church.
Many Catholics around the world are simply hoping for the “right pope.” Ricardo Cruz, a Filipino Catholic visiting Francis’s tomb, shared that while he would love to see an Asian pontiff, he prioritizes the need for a leader capable of guiding the Church with wisdom and compassion.
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