Anticipation Grows as Cardinals Prepare for Unique Papal Election Process

As the world reflects on the passing of Pope Francis, the faithful community, including a new generation of believers, awaits the crucial convening of the College of Cardinals. This assembly will play a paramount role in selecting the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

Following the death of Pope Francis, the conclave, under the organization of the camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, will begin within a timeframe of 15 to 20 days. This moment is steeped in tradition and carries significant implications for the Catholic Church’s future.

Tim Gabrielli, an associate professor and the Gudorf Chair in Catholic intellectual traditions at the University of Dayton, shared insights on the conclave with Fox News Digital. “Anything could happen,” he remarked, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding the election of Pope Francis’ successor.

Pope Francis, known for his unique approach to leadership and his efforts to connect with global audiences, served as the 266th pontiff. He passed away on April 21, 2025, after leading the Church for 12 impactful years.

The Unpredictability of Succession

Gabrielli emphasized that the future remains unclear when it comes to the identity of Pope Francis’ successor. He stated, “We really don’t have much of an idea. I think anybody who says otherwise is maybe posturing.” Among the prominent names touted as possible candidates are Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Hungarian Cardinal Peter Erdo, and American Cardinal Raymond Burke.

During the conclave, the cardinal electors will find themselves in a state of seclusion, which Gabrielli noted is essential for an unbiased decision-making process. The conclave, meaning ‘with key,’ signifies that these church leaders will be locked away, away from media and external influences.

The Role of Cardinal Electors

The cardinal electors, comprising a diverse group of individuals who play vital roles within the Church globally, haven’t coordinated closely in the past. Gabrielli pointed out the importance of their collaboration during this pivotal time.

Pope Francis created more than 100 cardinals during his tenure, significantly increasing representation from developing nations in the Church’s hierarchy. As Gabrielli put it, “Christ is to be found at the margins,” indicating a continuous push for inclusivity within the Church.

During the conclave, a secret ballot process will be utilized for the election of the new pope. A two-thirds majority is required to confirm the election. After each voting round, the ballots will be counted, and the results will be communicated through the burning of the votes. The resultant ashes provide crucial updates for onlookers both in St. Peter’s Square and around the globe.

Distinctive Election Practices

The ceremonial aspect of the conclave differs remarkably from the election processes seen in the United States. Despite this, observers may still draw parallels between the anticipated candidates and political factions in U.S. politics, particularly in relation to the Republican and Democrat parties.

Gabrielli cautioned against oversimplifying the electoral choices in the Church, stating, “It’s very tempting to map folks into our political categories. Those just don’t work very well in the Church. There are different emphases and priorities.” He portrayed the electoral process as unique and fundamentally different from secular elections.

The Legacy of Pope Francis

Pope Francis, who was elected in 2013 at the age of 76, was initially not viewed as a frontrunner among cardinal contenders. His approach often diverged from traditional expectations, leading some Catholics to characterize him as “non-traditional.” This perception stemmed from his willingness to address modern issues openly.

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis advocated for equality within the Church, promoting paths for divorced Catholics and extending blessings to same-sex couples. Gabrielli noted, “My read is that he had certain particular processes and structures that he was very interested in setting into motion, like the work on synodality more recently.”

Pope Francis also made strides in addressing climate change, continuing a narrative established by his predecessors, Pope Benedict XVI and Pope John Paul II. Gabrielli remarked on the continuity of this environmental discourse, stating, “He was kind of picking up that momentum. There’s really a thread you see happening there.”

The Cardinal Elector Landscape

Currently, there are 252 active cardinals, although only those under the age of 80 are eligible to vote in the conclave. There is a limit of 120 cardinal electors, a cap that was established by Pope John Paul VI in 1975.

Looking ahead, Gabrielli suggested that the next pope might align closely with the legacy of Pope Francis, yet there remains potential for the election of an individual with differing priorities and a distinct vision for the Church.

A Moment of Anticipation

The impending conclave promises to be a moment of significant weight for the Catholic community, as the Cardinals collectively seek guidance on the future direction of the Church. With a blend of hope, uncertainty, and faith, the world eagerly awaits the outcome of this sacred tradition, knowing that the decisions made during this conclave will resonate across the globe and impact generations to come.