Vatican Conclave Begins to Select Pope Francis’ Successor
photos courtesy of OLMC in Ridgewood
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the Catholic Church has entered a historic moment today as Church leaders gather in the Sistine Chapel to begin the conclave—the centuries-old, secretive process of choosing the next Pope.
Photos taken of some of the U.S. Cardinals in Rome for the Conclave which begins this morning.
Please note that not all those pictured are able to vote since they are over the age of eighty.
Please pray that all the Cardinals of the Conclave listen to the Holy Spirit as they vote for the Pope!
This sacred tradition marks the transition of leadership at the highest level of the Catholic Church and draws worldwide attention as cardinals cast their ballots behind closed doors.
How the Conclave Works
The voting process is carried out by the College of Cardinals, the second-highest rank in the Catholic Church. While there are 252 total cardinals, only those under the age of 80—a group of 133 eligible voters—can participate in the election.
A two-thirds majority is required to elect a new pope. Notably, 108 of the voting cardinals were appointed by Pope Francis, which may influence the ideological direction of the Church’s next leader.
Reform or Return?
Analysts suggest the election could be a referendum on Pope Francis’ legacy. Known for his progressive and reform-minded agenda, Francis shifted the Church’s focus toward inclusivity, environmental justice, and economic equity.
Now, the cardinals must decide: continue with reform or return to more traditional, conservative leadership?
Potential frontrunners include:
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Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy): Vatican Secretary of State and a seasoned diplomat.
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Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines): A globally popular figure known for his compassionate leadership.
When to Watch for the Smoke Signals
White smoke from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney will signal the selection of a new pope, while black smoke indicates no decision has yet been made.
According to the Vatican, votes will be cast during the following times (Eastern Time):
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Wednesday, May 7th: One vote at 1:00 PM
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All Other Days: Four voting rounds at
🕓 4:30 AM
🕕 6:00 AM
🕦 11:30 AM
🕐 1:00 PM
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