Cardinals Gather to Elect New Pope May 7

On May 7, 2025, 133 cardinals from 71 countries will gather in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope following the death of Pope Francis. Enhanced security measures, such as jamming devices, window films, and shutting down Vatican cellphone towers, have been put in place to ensure confidentiality. The conclave, requiring a two-thirds majority and paper ballots with disguised handwriting, remains steeped in tradition and secrecy. The United States has the second-largest group of electors after Italy, and no clear frontrunner has emerged. The next pope will serve as both the spiritual leader of over a billion Catholics and the absolute monarch of Vatican City. Media portrayals have renewed public interest in the conclave, though church officials note that real proceedings are more ritualized and secretive than depicted.