TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The process of electing a new pope following the death of Pope Francis will begin on Tuesday, May 7, 2025, with a closed-door vote held at the Sistine Chapel.
This pivotal moment for the Roman Catholic Church will determine the next spiritual leader for approximately 1.4 billion baptized Catholics worldwide.
According to Vatican News, on May 5, 2025, all officials and personnel involved in the upcoming conclave took a solemn oath of secrecy in the Pauline Chapel of the Apostolic Palace.
This requirement is mandated by the apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, issued by Pope John Paul II on February 22, 1996.
The Secrecy Oath
The oath, administered by Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, was taken by a diverse group of clerical and lay individuals approved by the Camerlengo and his three assisting cardinals.
The ritual underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity of the conclave process.
Before taking the oath, participants received instructions on its significance. Each then recited and signed a pre-determined formula before Cardinal Farrell, witnessed by two apostolic protonotaries.
The oath requires a lifelong commitment to absolute secrecy concerning all aspects of the election process, whether direct or indirect. This obligation remains binding unless it is explicitly lifted by the newly elected pope or his successor.
It also reaffirms the strict ban on using audio or video recording devices during the conclave. Any breach results in automatic excommunication (latae sententiae) by the authority of the Apostolic See.
Election Process and Timeline
The College of Cardinals is responsible for electing the new pope. Of the 252 cardinals currently serving, only 135 are eligible to vote, as they are under the age of 80, according to Al Jazeera.
These eligible cardinals will be sequestered within the Sistine Chapel starting May 7 for the conclave. During this time, all contact with the outside world is cut off, including phones, internet, and visitors. Cardinals cannot leave until a new pope is chosen, except in extraordinary circumstances.
The election is conducted via secret ballot. A candidate must secure a two-thirds majority to be elected pope. Observers outside the Vatican will watch for the iconic chimney smoke: black smoke indicates no decision has been reached, while white smoke signals a successful election.
Conclaves can last from several days to weeks. Pope Francis was elected in just two days.
The Elector Cardinals and Their Diversity
Pope Francis’ reforms have reshaped the College of Cardinals, with about 80 percent appointed by him. This has increased representation from the Global South, with cardinals now hailing from countries like Mongolia, Iran, and Timor Leste for the first time. The group spans a wide ideological range (from conservatives on issues like same-sex marriage and divorce to more progressive voices), making the vote unpredictable.
What the Cardinals Seek in the Next Pope
In pre-conclave discussions, cardinals are expected to deliberate on whether the Church should continue the liberal, pastoral direction of Pope Francis, return to the traditionalism of Pope Benedict XVI, or opt for a moderate figure.
Diplomatic skill is highly valued, particularly in light of global conflicts and shifting geopolitical dynamics. The Church may also prefer an older pope to anticipate a shorter papal tenure.
Geographical and ideological considerations will shape the decision. With the Catholic population growing rapidly in Asia and Africa, there is increasing pressure to choose a pope who reflects these demographic realities.
Personal charisma will be essential, as many cardinals are unfamiliar with each other. The ideal candidate will be someone capable of subtly convincing his peers that he can lead the Church globally and address urgent challenges such as secularization, recent scandals, and dwindling membership in the West.
Ultimately, the cardinals appear to be seeking a steady, unifying figure to bring stability to the central governance of the Church after the transformative leadership of Pope Francis.
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