Catholic Church Prepares for Historic 2025 Papal Conclave
VATICAN CITY, 6 May 2025 — The Catholic Church stands on the cusp of a historic transition as the College of Cardinals prepares to elect a new pope following the death of Pope Francis on 21 April 2025. The papal conclave, set to begin on 7 May within the ornate confines of the Sistine Chapel, will bring together 133 cardinal electors from around the world to select the next spiritual leader of over 1.3 billion Catholics. Cardinal Mafi of Tonga is one of two representatives from the Pacific islands who are eligible to vote.
This conclave, the first in over a decade, comes at a time of deep introspection and challenge for the Church. Issues ranging from clerical abuse scandals and the role of women in the Church to internal tensions between reformists and traditionalists loom large over the process. The next pope will be tasked not only with spiritual leadership but with restoring trust and navigating the Church through the complexities of the 21st century.
A Conclave Like No Other
The 2025 conclave is unique in its composition: 108 of the 133 electors were appointed by Pope Francis, tipping the balance toward candidates who share his progressive, pastoral priorities. These cardinals—many from Asia, Africa, and Latin America—reflect Francis’ efforts to decentralise the Church and highlight the growing importance of the Global South.
The cardinals will be sequestered at the Vatican’s Domus Sanctae Marthae and follow the time-honoured voting procedures, requiring a two-thirds majority to elect the new pontiff. Each day may see up to four rounds of balloting, with the outcome of each vote announced symbolically by smoke—black for inconclusive, white for a successful election.
The Frontrunner: Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Emerging as the early favourite is Cardinal Pietro Parolin, 70, the Vatican’s Secretary of State. Seen by many as the continuity candidate, Parolin combines deep diplomatic experience with a steady hand in governance. His leadership in managing delicate negotiations with China, his respected presence within the Curia, and his proximity to Pope Francis’ inner circle make him a compelling choice.
“Parolin is seen as someone who understands the machinery of the Vatican but also appreciates the Pope’s broader vision of a more inclusive, global Church,” said one Vatican analyst.
Other Papabili in Contention
Challenging Parolin’s frontrunner status are two notable contenders:
- Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, a charismatic and media-savvy figure known for his emotional homilies and close alignment with Francis’ reformist agenda. A former Archbishop of Manila, Tagle now holds a key role at the Vatican’s Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples. His election would mark a monumental shift, making him the first Asian pope in modern history.
- Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana, long admired for his passionate advocacy on social justice and environmental issues. Turkson would also be a historic choice—the first African pope in over 1,500 years—but some within the College question whether he has the political acumen to navigate Vatican bureaucracy.
A Church at a Crossroads
The conclave takes place at a moment of existential tension for the Church. While Pope Francis energised many with his focus on mercy, climate change, and dialogue, his reforms have been met with resistance from traditionalists. The next pontiff must bridge divides between those calling for more lay involvement and those seeking a return to orthodoxy.
Above all, the new pope must command both spiritual authority and institutional dexterity. With pressure mounting from the faithful and media alike, the days ahead promise both mystery and history. All eyes now turn to the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel, waiting for the white smoke that will announce a new era for the Catholic Church.
Tu’ifua Vailena
