Vatican Prepares for Papal Conclave to Elect New Pope

The Vatican is getting ready for a very important event called the 2025 Papal Conclave, which will begin on May 7 in the Sistine Chapel. This special meeting is happening because Pope Francis who was the leader of the Catholic Church for over 10 years, passed away on April 21 at the age of 88.

Now, 133 cardinals (important church leaders) from different countries all under the age of 80 will come together to choose the new pope—the 267th leader of the Catholic Church. This choice is very important for more than 1.3 billion Catholics around the world.

Cardinals from places like Europe, Latin America, Africa and Asia are already in Rome. They are spending time in prayer and getting ready. The Vatican has made security stronger and the Sistine Chapel is closed to keep everything private.

The voting will follow old traditions. Cardinals will write their choice on paper ballots. After each vote smoke will come out of a chimney on the chapel. Black smoke means no pope has been chosen yet. White smoke means a new pope has been picked.

People are wondering who the next pope will be. Many hope it will be a younger leader who understands the world today. The new pope will have to help with big problems like fewer people going to church, working with other religions, fixing past church mistakes and caring for the environment.

Crowds of people are now gathering in St. Peter’s Square and millions more are watching the news from home. Everyone is waiting to see who the next leader of the Catholic Church will be. It’s a big and historic moment.