The Catholic Church is preparing for a pivotal moment in its history as 133 cardinals gather in Rome in May 2025 to elect a new leader following Pope Francis’s death on April 21, 2025. This election is particularly significant for the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, as it marks the first time such a diverse group of cardinals will make this crucial decision.

The cardinals, representing 70 countries, will convene in the Sistine Chapel, where they will be locked in until a new pope is chosen. During this period, they are prohibited from using phones or communicating with anyone outside the chapel. Voting will take place multiple times each day until a consensus is reached. A signal of the decision will be indicated by the color of smoke emitted from a chimney: black smoke if no decision is made and white smoke when a new pope is elected. The sight of white smoke will elicit cheers from the crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

Diverging opinions among the cardinals could create tension as they consider the Church’s future direction. Some wish to continue the reforms initiated by Pope Francis, while others advocate for a return to traditional practices.

Potential Candidates

Several prominent figures have emerged as potential candidates for the papacy:

Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy), 70, currently serves as the Vatican’s Secretary of State. He has been involved in significant international agreements, including a controversial pact with China regarding bishop appointments. Parolin is seen as a candidate who may continue Francis’s legacy while addressing financial issues within the Vatican.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines), 67, is known for his empathy and advocacy for the marginalized. He is often called the “Asian Francis.” If elected, he would be the first pope from Asia, reflecting the growing Catholic population in the region.

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy), 69, Archbishop of Bologna and a close ally of Pope Francis, has a reputation for bridging divides between traditional and progressive Catholics. His humility and approachability have garnered respect within and outside the Church.

Cardinal Péter Erdő (Hungary), 72, a noted scholar, advocates for adherence to traditional Church teachings. Erdő has opposed some of Pope Francis’s progressive ideas and would likely prioritize doctrinal consistency.

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa (Jerusalem), 60, leads Catholic communities in conflict-ridden areas and is strongly committed to interfaith dialogue. His leadership could foster reconciliation and peace in tense regions.

Challenges Ahead

The new pope will confront several pressing issues:

1. Divisions Within the Church: The Catholic Church is grappling with differing opinions on modern issues, such as the inclusion of divorced Catholics and same-sex couples. These divisions could impact the Church’s unity and ability to engage with contemporary society.

2. Scandals and Trust Issues: Ongoing scandals involving clergy abuse and financial mismanagement have eroded trust among the faithful. The new pope must prioritize reforms to restore confidence in Church leadership.

3. Gender and LGBTQ+ Inclusion: Debates surrounding the roles of women and LGBTQ+ individuals in the Church remain contentious. The new leader will face pressure to address these sensitive topics thoughtfully.

4. Global Demographics: The Catholic Church is experiencing growth in Africa and Asia, while attendance declines in Europe and North America. The next pope must find ways to engage younger generations and adapt to varying cultural contexts.

5. Global Issues: The pope will also need to take a stand on pressing global challenges, including climate change, conflict, and technological advancements.

The new pope’s choice will have far-reaching implications for Catholics and the global community. As the world awaits the signal of white smoke from the Sistine Chapel, the outcome will shape the Catholic Church’s relationship with modern society and its response to contemporary challenges.

Contributors of this article are:

 Alexander Reed, political affairs reporter for (CP) The Congress Post’s Washington Bureau, specializes in Vatican relations and global religious trends.

Ava Martinez, judicial affairs reporter for (CP) The Congress Post’s Washington Bureau, provides expertise on church governance and the historical significance of papal transitions.

Luca Moretti, European affairs correspondent for (CP) The Congress Post’s Rome Bureau, offers on-the-ground reporting from the Vatican and analysis of Italian and European Catholic perspectives.

Their combined reporting offers a comprehensive look at the religious, political, and global dimensions of this pivotal election that will shape the future of the Catholic Church.