Breaking news: Papal conclave begins at the Vatican
Cardinals have begun the secretive process for electing a new pope.
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The New York Times

May 7, 2025, 10:53 a.m. ET

BREAKING NEWS

Filippo Monteforte/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

Cardinals Begin Secretive Process to Select the Next Pope

The first papal conclave in 12 years is underway at the Vatican after 133 cardinals entered the Sistine Chapel to begin the vote. Cardinals are not allowed to leave the Vatican until they agree on a successor to Pope Francis.

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Quiz: Test your knowledge of the papal conclave. →

Several cardinals walking on a plaza dressed in red garments.

Who will be the next pope? Here are some possible contenders. →

White smoke rising from a chimney atop the Sistine Chapel.

What to expect from the conclave and the process of electing a new pope. →

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