133 Cardinals Begin Conclave in Sistine Chapel to Elect New Pope

Following the death of Pope Francis, the papal conclave began on May 7, 2025, with 133 cardinal electors gathering in the Sistine Chapel to elect his successor, a process steeped in centuries-old tradition and secrecy. The conclave has drawn significant global attention, including from Catholic cardinals who reportedly watched the 2024 film 'Conclave,' a dramatization of the papal election process, to familiarize themselves with the procedure. The film, starring Ralph Fiennes and others, has become popularly known as the 'Pope movie' and is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+. Media outlets are providing extensive live coverage of the conclave; ABC News is streaming special coverage on Disney+, featuring prominent anchors and correspondents, while online platforms like Aleteia and Rappler offer live updates and feeds. The global Catholic community and the public await the announcement of the new pope, who is expected to unite the diverse Church during a pivotal time. These various media efforts reflect the conclave's importance and the widespread interest in the election of the new pontiff.