Explainer: Countdown to the new Pope

On Wednesday, May 7, the doors of the Apostolic Palace swung open.

Enter 133 cardinals, representatives from 71 countries, their shoulders carrying a heavy responsibility entrusted to them by more than one billion followers - electing and pronouncing the new leader of the world's largest religion.

The first step towards the conclave had begun. With Pope Francis' burial rites done, the world's focus is now on the Sistine Chapel, where the 133 cardinals are locked up to choose the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church.

With prayers and deliberations, the cardinals () have begun electing a new Pope. The Catholic Church tradition dictates that after the death or resignation of a Pope, the eligible cardinals, in a conclave, have the responsibility of electing a new Pope.

At the Vatican, these men—scholars, theologians, diplomats representing 71 countries, have left their home nations behind, stepping into history’s most sacred election.

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Once inside, the Chamber was sealed from the world. The Conclave then began its work! In the Sistine Chapel, the cardinals are completely incommunicado with the outside world. No phones. No messages. No interruptions.

They are alone with their faith, decisions, and the towering frescoes of Michelangelo’s Last Judgment staring down at them.

Now the Vatican is charged with anticipation. Quiet conversations fill the corridors, and in hushed voices, cardinals weigh possibilities, legacies, and the weight of their vote.
Their task? Elect the 267th pope—the next spiritual leader of 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide.

They began with prayer, meditation, and quiet reflection. Some cardinals read from scripture. Others sit, understanding that the fate of the Church rests on what happens here.

How the vote works: The sacred process:

Each cardinal writes a name on a simple piece of paper, folds it, and places it inside a ceremonial chalice—a centuries-old tradition that dictates the Church’s highest office. The votes are then counted by hand, scrutinised with absolute precision.

If no candidate receives two-thirds of the vote, the ballots are burned. Black smoke rises. No decision. Then, they vote again. And again. And again—until consensus is reached.

What if there is a deadlock?

If days pass and no pope is chosen, tension quietly escalates inside the chapel. History has seen conclaves stretch for weeks, even months, but in modern times, urgency dominates.

The Church understands the world is watching, waiting for stability. If a stalemate looms, alliances form, private discussions shift the tide, and the decision inches closer. Then, in a moment of clarity, a name emerges, one all agree upon.

However, no consensus had been reached by the end of day one, even as the world waited, albeit with heavy hearts. Then the moment arrived. Black smoke billowed out of the chimney of St Peter's Square. 

The first day of the conclave ended with no new pope. On Thursday, the  133 cardinals representing 70 countries gather behind closed doors to continue deliberating on who will be the new leader of the Catholic Church.

Reports indicate that two ballots will be held in the morning and two in the afternoon until a pope is elected. Around midday, the black smoke appeared again, meaning the wait for a new pontiff continues until this evening.

Hopefully, the moment the world awaits, the white smoke will rise. If this happens, suddenly, the Vatican bells begin to toll with a plume of white smoke curling into the sky—the universal signal that the Catholic Church will have a new pope.

Thousands erupt in jubilation in St. Peter’s Square. Millions watch live broadcasts in homes, churches, and public squares. The anticipation reaches its peak.

Then, the cardinal will step onto the balcony. "Habemus Papam!" A name is spoken.

And with it, a new era will begin.