How does a Papal Conclave work?

Conclave to elect a successor to late Pope Francis

Cardinals and faithful attend a special Mass ‘Pro eligendo papa’ or for the election of the Pope, before the start of the conclave, at St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican on Wednesday, 7 May 2025. Source: ANSA / ALESSANDRO DI MEO/EPA

Cardinals have been meeting in the Vatican ahead of the conclave on May 7, at which they will start voting for Pope Francis’s successor. Following Pope Francis’ death on April 21 at age 88, preparations for the centuries-old tradition are underway. But how does a Papal Conclave work?


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