**Live updates provide insights into the conclave proceedings and potential successors as voting begins.**
**Anticipation Builds at Vatican as Cardinals Sequester for Papal Conclave**
**Anticipation Builds at Vatican as Cardinals Sequester for Papal Conclave**
**A significant moment in history unfolds as cardinals gather to choose the next pope amid church challenges.**
May 7, 2025, 1:02 p.m. ET – In a moment steeped in tradition and history, 133 cardinals have entered the Sistine Chapel to commence the election of a new pope, following the passing of Pope Francis. Known for its rituals and secrecy, the conclave comes at a pivotal time for the Roman Catholic Church, which faces various challenges including internal division, financial strains, and the repercussions of historical abuse scandals.
As the last public event before seclusion, the cardinals attended a Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica earlier today before the imposing wooden doors of the chapel were shut, sealing them off from the outside world. This conclave marks the first in more than a decade, leading to speculation about the direction the church may take under its new leader.
The intricate voting process will commence immediately, with cardinals expected to vote multiple times daily until a two-thirds majority supports a candidate. It's anticipated that the first vote may not yield a result, prolonging their deliberations, as many of the voters are newly appointed and may not be familiar with one another’s views.
Among the names discussed as potential successors are Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who has served as Pope Francis’ close aide, and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines, a country with one of the fastest-growing Catholic populations. Observers emphasize that this election could represent a referendum on the legacy of Pope Francis—his progressive stance on various issues has divided the church—clamping the door on the assumptions that may have existed around his leadership.
As voting rounds unfold, the iconic chimney atop the Sistine Chapel will become the focus. Black smoke indicates further deliberation is necessary, while white smoke signals the election of a new pope. With a robust history of unexpected outcomes, Twitter and other platforms buzz with speculation.
In one particularly notable moment, Londoners Kelly Williams and her daughter Millie noted the heart-racing tension felt as they wait for a decision that could significantly impact their branch of conservatism within the church.
As the cardinals navigate the centuries-old traditions, they will seek divine guidance under the artwork of Michelangelo, knowing that their choices will shape not only the future of the Vatican but potentially the global voice of the Catholic Church at this critical juncture in societal evolution.
As the last public event before seclusion, the cardinals attended a Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica earlier today before the imposing wooden doors of the chapel were shut, sealing them off from the outside world. This conclave marks the first in more than a decade, leading to speculation about the direction the church may take under its new leader.
The intricate voting process will commence immediately, with cardinals expected to vote multiple times daily until a two-thirds majority supports a candidate. It's anticipated that the first vote may not yield a result, prolonging their deliberations, as many of the voters are newly appointed and may not be familiar with one another’s views.
Among the names discussed as potential successors are Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who has served as Pope Francis’ close aide, and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines, a country with one of the fastest-growing Catholic populations. Observers emphasize that this election could represent a referendum on the legacy of Pope Francis—his progressive stance on various issues has divided the church—clamping the door on the assumptions that may have existed around his leadership.
As voting rounds unfold, the iconic chimney atop the Sistine Chapel will become the focus. Black smoke indicates further deliberation is necessary, while white smoke signals the election of a new pope. With a robust history of unexpected outcomes, Twitter and other platforms buzz with speculation.
In one particularly notable moment, Londoners Kelly Williams and her daughter Millie noted the heart-racing tension felt as they wait for a decision that could significantly impact their branch of conservatism within the church.
As the cardinals navigate the centuries-old traditions, they will seek divine guidance under the artwork of Michelangelo, knowing that their choices will shape not only the future of the Vatican but potentially the global voice of the Catholic Church at this critical juncture in societal evolution.
