Cardinals in the Vatican: Who will be the new Pope to Francis?

Cardinals in the Vatican: Who will be the new Pope to Francis?

On May 7, 2025, the conclave for the choice of a new Pope begins, the mourning phase after the death of Pope Francis, who died on April 21, 2025 at the age of 88, ends with the consequences of a stroke. Pope Francis burial took place on April 26, 2025 in the Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore. 133 cardinals under the age of 80 will take part in this decisive event in the Vatican, but two of whom cannot take part in the election based on health problems, as OE24 reports.

The election process itself is strictly regulated. The cardinals clear all distractions during the election in the Sistine chapel, because cell phones, laptops or televisions are not allowed during the election. They emit their voices secretly using the ballot papers. A new Pope is only elected when he receives more than two thirds of the votes. A runoff election is possible after 35 unsuccessful option. The number of electoral ends per day is limited to a maximum of four: two in the morning and two in the afternoon, such as the [Ruhr Nachrichten] (https://www.ruhrnachrichten.de/service/konklave-2025-Papstwahler-Papst-franziskus-Vatikan-termin-dauf- Regelen-Rauch-Favoriten-W1023964-2001634085/) explain.

The favorites in the conclave

The favorite cardinals is Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the highest voter cardinal and chairwoman of the conclusion. He is traded as a promising candidate for the Papstamt. In addition, Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, who is considered a "compromise candidate", also exists among the cardinals entitled to vote. Ergonomically, it offers potential because it could theoretically be chosen by the election as the Pope. It is noteworthy that a total of 108 of Francis of the cardinals entitled to vote were appointed and only 39% date from Europe, compared to 52% in 2013, such as Vatican News determined.

The choice of cardinals is characterized by historical developments. The term “conclave” means “with the key” and dates from the 12th century when cardinals were trapped during the pope election to force them to choose a new pope. The first documented lock took place in 1216, and around 1274 the concrete system was officially introduced to ensure a smooth election process.

technical processes and symbolism

The technical implementation of the choice includes smoke signs that serve to inform the outside world. Black smoke means that the choice was unsuccessful until then, while white smoke signals the choice of a new Pope. This signaling is achieved by careful chemical mixtures used during the ballot. The highest cardinal hilkon will finally announce the result on the balcony of the St. Peter's Basilica by using the traditional "Habemus Papam!" informs the world about the choice. After accepting the election, the new Pope chooses its name and grants the blessing "Urbi et orbi".

The final duration of the complain is not defined, but it usually only takes a few days. The tension remains high until the choice of a new head of the church, and the speculation about possible successors of Pope Francis are already in full swing.