CARDINALS from around the world convened in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, Rome as the Roman Catholic Church begins the secretive conclave to elect a new pope, following the end of Pope Francis’ historic papacy.
The conclave, which began on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, will elect the Church's 267th pope, who will lead more than 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
As cardinals deliberate in strict secrecy, observers are watching closely for signs of whether the next pontiff will continue Francis’ progressive reforms or signal a return to more traditional leadership.
The decision, expected in the coming days, will shape the future of a Church facing global challenges and internal reforms.
Refresh this story for more updates.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula, and Caloocan Bishop Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David during the “Pro Eligendo Pontifice” Mass for the election of the pope at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. | via CBCP News
Screenshots from Vatican News
After processing into the Sistine Chapel, the 133 Cardinal electors recite their oath of secrecy and listen to a meditation from former Preacher of the Papal Household. | via Vatican News
📷 Screenshots from Vatican News/Facebook
The Cardinals process into the Sistine Chapel.
📷 Screenshots from Vatican News
The 133 cardinal electors now reciting their oath of secrecy after processing into the Sistine Chapel.
📷 Screenshots from Vatican News
The cardinal electors take a solemn oath of secrecy before the conclave begins.
📷Screenshots from Vatican News
Filipino Cardinals Luis Antonio Tagle, Jose Advincula, and Pablo Virgilio David took their oath of secrecy before the start of the voting for the next pope. The conclave, with 133 cardinal electors, is currently happening at the Sistine Chapel.
📷 Screenshots from Vatican News
Archbishop Diego Giovanni Ravelli, master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations, closed the doors of the Sistine Chapel as the 133 cardinal electors start the conclave. The first vote is expected to happen this evening.
📷 Screenshots from Vatican News
NO POPE YET
Black smoke rose at 21:00 (3 a.m. in Philippines) from the Sistine Chapel, marking the end of day one of the conclave.
The words "Extra omnes" echoed as the doors closed — and the world waits.
Voting resumes at 10:30 a.m. of May 8 (Rome time) as the Cardinals continue choosing the 267th Pope.
📷 Screenshots from Vatican News
Black smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney at 21:00 on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, (3 a.m. of May 8 in the Philippines) indicating that the first conclave ballot ended without electing a Pope.
Courtesy of Vatican News
THE first ballot of the conclave to elect the 267th Pope has ended without a new pontiff, as black smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney at 9 p.m. Wednesday evening, May 7, 2025 (Vatican time).
According to Vatican News, around 45,000 people had gathered in St. Peter’s Square, eagerly awaiting the announcement, which was expected shortly after 7 p.m. but delayed until 9 p.m.
Earlier, the 133 cardinals entering the Sistine Chapel officially kicked off the 2025 conclave to elect a new Pope.
At 10 a.m., Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re led the Missa pro eligendo Romano Pontifice in St. Peter’s Basilica.
At 3:45 p.m., the cardinals processed into the Sistine Chapel, chanting the "Litany of the Saints" and "Veni Creator Spiritus," invoking the Holy Spirit.
Following tradition, the procession was led by a cross, the choir, and assistants, with cardinal deacons at the front.
Inside, each cardinal swore an oath of secrecy, placing a hand on the Gospel and pledging confidentiality throughout the conclave.
Once the chapel doors were sealed with "Extra omnes" (everyone out), Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa led a meditation, guiding the cardinals into prayer and reflection.
The conclave is the assembly of cardinals convened to elect a new pope, a practice that dates back to the 13th century. It was established in response to the need for a more secure and independent election process, especially during times of political influence or manipulation.
The conclave is convened following the death of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, at his residence in Vatican City. He was buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major. (JGS/SunStar Philippines)
Black smoke once again billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney around 5:50 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, 2025 (Philippine time), signaling that no pope has been elected yet.
Screenshots from Vatican News
Black smoke once again billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney around 5:50 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, 2025 (Philippine time), signaling that no pope has been elected yet. The 133 cardinal electors will take a break for lunch and resume another round of voting afterward.
Video from Vatican News
The 133 Cardinal electors gathered in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel have elected the new Pope. | via Vatican News
Crowds gathered in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican on Friday, May 9, 2025 (Philippine time), as the new pope was elected.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost is elected as the 267th pope of the Catholic Church. He took the name Pope Leo XIV.
Pope Leo XIV appears before the crowd in St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican after being elected as the new pope.
Pope Leo XIV speaks before the crowd in St. Peter's Basilica after being elected as the 267th pope of the Catholic Church.
American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost delivers his first blessing as Pope Leo XIV before the crowd at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.
Here are more photos of the new pope, American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who took the name Pope Leo XIV following his election on Friday, May 9, 2025 (Philippine time).
Pope Leo XIV greets the world for the first time to grant his Urbi et Orbi blessing after being elected as the 267th pope by the 133 Cardinal electors on Friday, May 9, 2025 (PH time).
Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected pontiff, visited Cebu in 2004 as Prior General of the Augustinians.
Most. Rev. Robert F. Prevost, OSA, DD, now Pope Leo XIV, led the blessing of the friary of Sto. Niño de Cebu Parish Barangay Mohon, Talisay City on January 31, 2004.
Did you know? Before the conclave began on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost quietly took the oath of secrecy — just moments after Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, who many Filipinos were eyeing as the next pope. While all eyes were on Tagle, it was the man just behind him who would emerge as the new pope. History has a subtle way of surprising us — sometimes the spotlight isn't where the story ends, but where it begins.
US President Donald Trump congratulates Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost who was elected as the new pope.
Prevost, who took the name of Leo XIV, is the first American Pope.
Pope Leo XIV also visited Cebu in 2010. In these photos, he was at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu.
