Papal Conclave: New Pope Election Process and Potential Candidates

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April 22, 2025 | 06:04 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - On Monday, April 21, 2025, the world, and Catholics particularly, mourned the loss of Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88. As announced by the Vatican, Pope died from a stroke followed by a coma and cardiac collapse.

While the sorrow still lingers at every corner, the question on many minds now is: who will succeed Pope Francis? As the Church begins the process of selecting a new leader, all eyes will turn to the upcoming papal conclave—a historic and highly anticipated event in which the College of Cardinals will gather to elect the next Pope.

The Process of Papal Conclave

As defined by Britannica, the term papal conclave derives from the Latin phrase cum clave which means “with a key.” This refers to the centuries-old tradition of locking the cardinals in seclusion to ensure that the election of a new pope is conducted free from external influence and political pressure.

The papal conclave typically begins between 15 to 20 days after the papal seat (or sede vacante) becomes vacant, which allows time for the Church to mourn the deceased pope and prepare logistically and spiritually for the election.

During the conclave:

Out of 252 cardinals hailing from over 90 countries, only 138 of electors will vote—those over the age of 80 are not eligible to take part.
Then, they gather in the Sistine Chapel.
After the signal “extra omnes,” the area is sealed with the Cardinals locked inside the conclave.
Each cardinal takes a solemn oath of secrecy, promising not to reveal anything about the voting process.
The conclave starts with a celebration of mass.
Votes are cast twice daily, once in the morning and again in the afternoon, until a candidate secures a two-thirds majority.
The cardinals write their chosen candidate’s name on a paper ballot, which is then placed on a special plate.
After each round, the ballots are burned. If a new pope hasn’t been elected, chemicals are added to create black smoke—a sign to the outside world that no decision has been made.
When a candidate receives a two-thirds majority, the ballots are burned again—but this time, white smoke signals that a new pope has been chosen.
After the elected candidate accepts the result, he then dresses accordingly with sets made by Vatican tailors before making an appearance on the balcony of the basilica.

The Requirements to Become Pope

Any male baptized Catholic is eligible to become a pope. However, in modern history, the elected pope has always been chosen from among the College of Cardinals.

Who Are the Candidates for the Next Pope?

While the outcome of the papal conclave remains secret until the very end, some of the top Pope Francis’ successor candidates include:

1. Luis Antonio Tagle - The Philippines

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, 67, is considered as strong candidate to resume Pope Francis' progressive agenda. Tagle, has significant experience in leading the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples and is a trusted figure in Pope Francis' inner circle. Tagle is the first cardinal from Asia.

2. Peter Turkson - Ghana

Cardinal Peter Turkson, 76, is a well-known advocate for the Church's social justice mission. As the former leader of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, he has been outspoken on climate change, poverty, and economic equity.

Turkson's election would be historic, potentially making him the first African pope in the centuries. The last was Pope Gelasius, who served from 492 to 496 AD. Born in Rome to African parents, Gelasius was recognized for his prolific theological works and strong commitment to charity and justice for the poor.

3. Pietro Parolin - Italy

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, 70, is one of the most experienced Vatican officials. He has played a key role in diplomatic affairs, including sensitive negotiations with the governments of China and the Middle East.

Parolin is seen as a theologically moderate candidate who offers stability while upholding some of Pope Francis’ reform. His close ties to Vatican bureaucracy make him a strong contender for those favoring continuity.

4. Peter Erd - Hungary

Known for upholding traditional Catholic doctrine, Cardinal Peter Erd is a respected canon lawyer. A former head of the Council of European Bishops' Conferences, he champions theological orthodoxy and appeals to those seeking a shift back to the conservatism of John Paul II and Benedict XVI.

5. Angelo Scola - Italy

The 82-year-old Cardinal Angelo Scola is a former Archbishop of Milan with strong theological credentials. Known for his traditionalist views and support for a centralized Church, he appeals to those opposing Pope Francis' reforms. Previously, he was a leading contender in the 2013 conclave.

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