From Khatami’s surprise greeting to how to pick a new Pope

The exact number varies, but there are currently about 135 cardinal electors who will convene at the Vatican from around the world to choose the successor to Pope Francis. Of those eligible this time around, a large majority — 108 of them — were appointed by Pope Francis during his 12-year papacy. They come from 71 different countries; 10 are from the United States.

When will the papal conclave begin? The Vatican has not yet announced the date when the conclave will begin, but under church rules, it must be within 15 to 20 days after the pope’s death, which in this case would fall in the first or second week of May. How does the papal conclave work? How this assembly proceeds to choose the next pope is a process that dates back hundreds of years — an intricate, choreographed procession of rituals and ballots.

April 26, 2025 | 6:02 am