On Tuesday, cardinals will begin moving into Vatican accommodations ahead of the conclave to elect a new pope, following the death of Pope Francis on April 21. The historic and highly secretive gathering will officially commence on Wednesday in the Sistine Chapel, where 133 cardinal electors will convene. The election process could last a few hours or stretch over several days or even months.
Due to limited space in the Vatican’s Santa Marta guesthouse—traditionally used during conclaves—some cardinals will instead stay in nearby Santa Marta Vecchia, typically reserved for Vatican officials. Room assignments will be made by lottery, and cardinals can settle in between Tuesday and the pre-conclave Mass on Wednesday morning.
This conclave is notable for being the most international in history, with participants from 70 countries across five continents. Cardinal electors—those under age 80—along with older cardinals, concluded their final preparatory meetings Tuesday morning. Topics included Vatican finances, clerical abuse, Church unity, and the desired characteristics of the next pontiff.
Franco-Algerian Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco told Corriere della Sera that the recent gatherings have helped unify a diverse group of cardinals, many of whom were meeting for the first time. He noted there are at least “five or six” potential contenders, including both expected names and new figures who have impressed during discussions. However, he added, “there is no one who trounces the others… yet it will happen.”
The late Pope Francis, elected in 2013, was known for his progressive reforms and global outreach, though critics accused him of weakening core Church doctrines. His successor will face a critical decision—whether to continue his path or steer the Church toward a more conservative direction.
Despite appointing roughly 80% of the current cardinal electors, Francis’s influence on the outcome is uncertain. Analysts warn that the vote could yield unexpected results, as alliances and opinions shift behind closed doors.
To preserve the conclave’s secrecy, the Vatican will disable phone signals within its territory starting Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. local time. Cardinals must leave behind their mobile devices and are barred from any outside contact. Staff supporting the conclave—from medics to cleaners—have also sworn oaths of confidentiality.
As tradition dictates, the world will learn of the conclave’s outcome by the color of the smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel: black if no pope has been chosen, white if a new pontiff has been elected.