• The papal conclave to elect Pope Francis' successor will begin on May 7th in the Vatican's Sistine Chapel.
• 135 cardinals will participate in the secret election, following strict protocols of isolation and voting.
• Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández cautioned against subtle forms of cruelty towards the poor during a memorial Mass for Pope Francis.

Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, the Catholic Church is preparing for the election of his successor. The conclave, a secretive process involving the College of Cardinals, will commence on May 7th in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican. This event marks a significant transition for the Church, with cardinals from around the world gathering to choose the 267th pope. The process involves prayer, deliberation, and multiple rounds of voting until a candidate receives two-thirds of the vote.

• What: The election of a new pope through a papal conclave.
• Who: 135 cardinal electors, members of the College of Cardinals, and key figures like Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández and potential candidates such as Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa.
• When: The conclave is set to begin on May 7, 2025.
• Where: The conclave will take place in the Sistine Chapel, Vatican City.

The upcoming conclave represents a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church as it navigates the transition following Pope Francis' death. The selection of a new pope will shape the Church's direction on key issues, theological perspectives, and its role in a rapidly changing world. The process is steeped in tradition and secrecy, designed to ensure the cardinals can discern God's will in choosing the next leader. Cardinal Fernández's warning highlights the ongoing importance of addressing poverty and promoting human dignity, while the historical context provided by various sources underscores the significance and complexity of this election.

What I want to show, however, is to what extent [Pope Francis] understood that his work was his mission, his everyday work was his response to God’s love, it was an expression of his concern for the good of others.

Those words are also found hidden behind other, more elegant speeches.

The Catholic Church is on the cusp of a significant transition with the upcoming papal conclave. As the cardinals gather in Rome, they face the weighty responsibility of selecting the next leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics. The process, steeped in history and tradition, is designed to ensure careful discernment and prayerful consideration. The outcome of the conclave will undoubtedly shape the future direction of the Church, addressing both internal challenges and its role in a global context. The world awaits the white smoke signaling the election of the 267th pope.