Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, the Catholic Church has entered a period of transition to elect a new pope. The process begins with a nine-day mourning period, after which a conclave will be convened within 15 to 20 days. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote in the conclave, which will be held in the Sistine Chapel.
Pope Francis, who led the Church since 2013, had appointed approximately 80% of the current voting cardinals, shaping a more progressive electorate. Among the potential successors are Pietro Parolin, an Italian diplomat; Péter Erdő, a conservative Hungarian; Luis Antonio Tagle, a Filipino with left-leaning views; and Matteo Maria Zuppi, an Italian known for his inclusive approach.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, an Irish-born American, has been appointed as the camerlengo, responsible for managing the Holy See during the interregnum. Additionally, Mykola Bychok, a 45-year-old Ukrainian-born bishop based in Melbourne, has been elevated to cardinal, making him the youngest cardinal in the Catholic Church.
The conclave’s outcome remains uncertain, as the cardinals will seek a leader who embodies humility, zeal, and moral leadership to guide the Church forward.
