The conclave to choose a new Pope begins on May 7: These are some of the possible contenders

Argentine Pope Francis was laid to rest on 26 April 2025, following his death five days earlier.

The 88-year-old lost part of a lung during his youth due to a respiratory infection and his health had deteriorated in recent years. While in hospital prior to his death, Pope Francis had suffered two episodes of “acute respiratory failure” and his condition had worsened.

His passing was mourned by the Church and worshippers around the world as well as setting into motion a unique set of rituals and rules to govern the period between leaders.

Choosing the next Pope

A successor for Pope Francis will be decided by the College of Cardinals, who convene at the Sistine Chapel for a conclave. Cardinals younger than 80 will be eligible to vote for the next pontiff with around 120 members making their choice in secret by writing a name on a ballot paper.

Voting continues in rounds until one name has received at least two-thirds support, with up to four rounds of votes taking place per day. The most recent conclave, the 2013 election of Pope Francis, took about 24 hours and five ballots before he received the necessary majority.

Leading the way

All of the 133 cardinals expected to take part in the secret conclave (starting on Wednesday) to elect a new pope have arrived in Rome, the Vatican said on Monday, with the race to succeed Pope Francis seen as wide open.

While there are a few cardinals seen as potential front-runners to succeed Francis, two often mentioned are Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle.

“My list is changing, and I think it will continue to change over the next few days,” British Cardinal Vincent Nichols, participating in his first conclave, told Reuters. “It’s a process which for me is far from concluded, far from concluded.”

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