St. Andrew Catholic Church

Pope Leo XIV waves to pilgrims in St. Peter's Square shortly after his election on Thursday, May 8, 2025 / Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA

Vatican City, May 8, 2025 / 12:11 pm (CNA).

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the 267th pope of the Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.

White smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel at 6:09 p.m. Rome time on Thursday, signaling that the College of Cardinals had chosen a successor to Pope Francis, who died on April 21.

Thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square erupted in cheers as the bells of the basilica began to toll, confirming the election of a new pontiff. The crowds gathered as word spread throughout Rome that a new pope had been chosen.

The new pontiff appeared on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica at approximately 7:25 p.m. local time, where Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, the protodeacon of the College of Cardinals and prefect of the Apostolic Signatura, announced in Latin: “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!”

(“I announce to you a great joy: We have a pope!”)

Before appearing on the balcony, the newly elected Pope Leo XIV spent time in the “Room of Tears,” a small chamber adjacent to the Sistine Chapel. This traditionally named room is where new pontiffs first don the papal vestments and have a moment of private prayer and reflection as they absorb the magnitude of their election to the Chair of St. Peter.

Following the announcement, Leo XIV addressed the crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square and those watching around the world, offering his first blessing “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world) as the new Roman pontiff.

Indian Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad of the Syro-Malabar Church, official of the Secretariat of State and organizer of papal trips, was created a cardinal by Pope Francis during the consistory at St. Peter’s Basilica on Dec. 7, 2024. / Credit: Daniel Ibañez/CNA

Vatican City, May 8, 2025 / 11:50 am (CNA).

India’s Cardinal George Koovakad holds the daily task of drawing the names of nine cardinal electors to serve in special roles before each round of voting in the conclave currently underway to elect the 266th successor of St. Peter. 

As the most junior member of the College of Cardinals, Koovakad — the former prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue — is tasked with drawing out the names of three cardinal scrutineers, three cardinal infirmarii, and three cardinal revisers for every morning and afternoon voting session until a new pontiff is chosen, according to the Vatican’s apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis. 

Among the 133 cardinal electors sequestered inside the Vatican, the first three names randomly selected by Koovakad, as the college’s junior cardinal deacon, are the “scrutineers” responsible for counting and verifying the votes during the papal conclave.

To ensure the secrecy of each vote, scrutineers collect the folded ballot papers from the cardinal electors and place them into a box, which is then shaken several times to mix the ballots. Scrutineers are also tasked with opening the ballot boxes, reading each ballot aloud, and writing down the names of the cardinal voted for in an official document.    

The next three names drawn by the Indian cardinal are the “infirmarii” who are called to collect the votes of sick cardinal electors staying in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta who are unable to be physically present inside the Sistine Chapel with the other cardinals.

As part of the conclave voting process, infirmarii take ballot papers and a locked ballot box with an opening to the cardinal electors that are confined to their rooms due to ill health. After these votes are cast, infirmarii take the ballot box containing the ballot papers to the Sistine Chapel for counting.   

Lastly, Koovakad chooses three “revisers” by lot as part of the conclave voting process. Revisers are responsible for checking the ballots and ensuring scrutineers have “performed their task exactly and faithfully,” according to the norms outlined in Universi Dominici Gregis. 

Throughout the conclave, Koovakad also serves as the porter who opens and closes the doors of the Sistine Chapel when necessary, including when the infirmarii need to bring ballot papers and collect the votes of sick cardinals. 

Until a cardinal has the 89 votes — a two-thirds majority — required to become the next pope, Koovakad must continue his task of drawing by lot the nine cardinal electors tasked with ensuring the accountability and secrecy of the conclave elections.

Deborah True. / Credit: Vero Beach Police Department

CNA Staff, May 8, 2025 / 11:20 am (CNA).

The former administrator of a Florida Catholic parish pleaded no contest in court this month to charges that she stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from a Vero Beach church years ago. 

Prosecutors had alleged in 2022 that Deborah True and Father Richard Murphy stole nearly $1.5 million in parish funds from Holy Cross Catholic Church in Vero Beach between 2015 and 2020.

Murphy died in March 2020. True, meanwhile, was charged with fraud and theft in connection with the alleged crime. She pleaded no contest to a charge of first-degree grand theft in Florida circuit court on May 1.

The former administrator faces up to a decade in prison and two decades of probation. She will also reportedly be required to pay back nearly $700,000 to the parish. 

A “no contest” plea is one in which a criminal defendant neither admits to a charge nor disputes it, effectively conceding that the prosecutor has enough evidence to find him or her guilty. 

Assistant State Attorney William Long told Treasure Coast Newspapers that True will be required to pay back the restitution in monthly installments or else “face being returned to prison,” according to the outlet. 

The plea deal “represented both the state’s pursuit of justice and what we thought was a fair sentence as well as the interest of the victims in this matter,” Long told the news service. 

Police had earlier concluded that from 2015–2020, Murphy and True had funnelled $1.5 million in parishioner donations into a bank account called “Holy Cross Catholic Church.” The account was hidden from the Diocese of Palm Beach, police said. 

Authorities have not taken any action against Murphy because of his death. According to Murphy’s obituary, True was his “longtime” secretary and his caregiver. Murphy was the pastor at Holy Cross for almost 23 years, from 1997 to 2020, True told Vero News at the time of Murphy’s death.

From left to right: Cardinal Louis Sako (Iraq), Cardinal Mario Zenari (Syria), Cardinal Dominique Mathieu (Iran), Cardinal Louis Sako (Iraq), Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa (Jerusalem), and Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero (Morocco). / Credits: Romy Haber/ACI MENA

ACI MENA, May 8, 2025 / 10:50 am (CNA).

As the conclave to elect a new pope continues, the presence of six cardinals currently serving in the Middle East and North Africa has drawn significant attention along with four others from Eastern Churches.

This paradigm shift reflects the profound transformation within the Catholic Church, as it increasingly emphasizes broader representation from the global peripheries and strengthens its commitment to addressing critical spiritual and humanitarian challenges — from political violence to interfaith dialogue and support for the poor and marginalized.

Here are the Middle Eastern cardinals participating in the conclave:

Cardinal Louis Sako (Iraq)

Born in Iraq in 1948, Sako became patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church in 2013 and was appointed cardinal on June 28, 2018. He is regarded as an influential theological voice who has approached the history of the Church of the East through a scholarly lens, transcending ethnic and nationalist tensions. A strong advocate for the ecumenical movement and Church unity, Sako has recently faced various challenges both within his Church and in his relationships with some Iraqi political figures.

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa (Jerusalem)

Born in Italy in 1965, Pizzaballa is a member of the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans). At just 39, he was appointed custodian of the Holy Land. Named Latin patriarch of Jerusalem in 2020, he was elevated to cardinal on Sept. 30, 2023. He has earned recognition for his dedication to his faithful and his unwavering public statements defending the Church and its members when they face attacks.

Cardinal Mario Zenari (Syria)

Born in Italy in 1946, Zenari was appointed apostolic nuncio to Syria in 2008 — a position he still holds today. He was elevated to cardinal on Nov. 19, 2016. While papal nuncios typically do not become cardinals, Pope Francis made an exception, highlighting his extraordinary trust in Zenari. The cardinal has worked diligently to strengthen consecrated life in Syria while bringing international attention to the Syrian people’s suffering.

Cardinal Dominique Mathieu (Iran)

Born in Belgium in 1963, Mathieu is part of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual. After arriving in Lebanon in 2013, he was appointed archbishop of Tehran and Isfahan. Known for his expertise in interfaith dialogue, his empathy with causes in the Islamic world, and his persistent calls for global leaders to reject “policies of hegemony,” Mathieu was made cardinal on Dec. 7, 2024.

Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco (Algeria)

Born in France in 1962, Vesco completed his studies in Jerusalem before moving to Algeria, where he helped revitalize the Dominican presence in the Diocese of Oran. He currently serves as archbishop of Algiers and was made cardinal by Pope Francis on Dec. 7, 2024. Vesco is known for his progressive views, particularly regarding family and women’s issues. A strong advocate for interreligious dialogue and the rejection of war, he has been vocal in opposing conflicts, including the war in Gaza. In an unusual move, the Algerian president granted him Algerian citizenship in 2023.

Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero (Morocco)

Born in Spain in 1952, López Romero joined the Salesian order and became archbishop of Rabat in 2018. He prominently welcomed Pope Francis during the pontiff’s visit to Morocco the following year — the same year he was elevated to cardinal (Oct. 5, 2019). His diverse diocese includes believers from 100 different nationalities. Open to ecumenical efforts and interfaith dialogue, López Romero believes migration stems from fundamental systemic problems rather than being a crisis itself and has proposed holding a synod dedicated to this topic.

Other cardinals from Eastern Churches

In addition to these six, the conclave includes four cardinals from Eastern Churches who serve outside the Middle East and North Africa. 

From India, there is Baselios Cleemis, archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, and George Jacob Koovakad, head of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue. 

Also participating in this conclave are Berhaneyesus Demerew Souraphiel, archbishop of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and Mykola Bychok, bishop of the Sts. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy in Melbourne, Australia.

Notably, some cardinals in the conclave were born in the Arab world, such as Dominique Mamberti, born in Marrakesh (Morocco), and Jean-Marc Aveline, archbishop of Marseille, France, who was born in Sidi Bel Abbès, Algeria. Fernando Natalio Chomali Garib, archbishop of Santiago, Chile, who is of Palestinian descent, is also participating.

Black smoke billows from the chimney at 11:53 a.m. local time over St. Peter’s Square on May 8, 2025. / Credit: Daniel Ibañez/CNA

Vatican City, May 8, 2025 / 10:20 am (CNA).

It’s probably the most-watched smoke in the world: The billows of exhaust unfurl before the watchful eyes of thousands every conclave — the only communication allowed from the cardinals locked inside the Sistine Chapel to decide the next pope.

Whether it is black — meaning the majority has not been reached — or white — meaning the new pope has been elected — is a matter of extreme importance to the billions of Catholics living around the world.

But where does the smoke come from and how are the two colors produced?

It all starts with an iron stove set up in the Sistine Chapel. This particular stove has been used in each conclave since 1939, when Pope Pius XII was elected. A second stove, added in 2005, is also used.

In the older stove, the smoke is produced from burning the ballots on which the cardinal electors cast their votes, together with other documents from the process. The papers are placed in an upper door of the small stove, which is just over 3 feet tall and about 1.5 feet wide.

To prevent any confusion about the color of the smoke, in the 2005 conclave that gave the Church Pope Benedict XVI, a second, more modern stove was also used.

Historically, the white smoke was created by burning the ballots together with dry straw. The black smoke was made from the ballots, wet straw, and with the addition of pitch to darken the color. 

Since 2005, however, chemical compounds have been used (via five cartridges inserted into the more modern stove) to make the colors of the smoke more visibly black and white.

For white smoke, a compound of the chemicals potassium chlorate, lactose, and rosin (also known as Greek pitch) is used, while potassium perchlorate, anthracene, and sulfur are used for the black smoke.

When the paper ballots and other documents are burned in the older stove, an electronic system is activated in the newer stove, triggering the cartridges to produce, in sequence, the chemicals to create a colored smoke lasting seven minutes.

To improve the smoke’s draught, the flue is preheated with electric heaters and even has a fan that can be turned on if needed.

Cardinals process to the Sistine Chapel as the conclave to elect the 266th successor to St. Peter, the 267th pope, begins on May 7, 2025. / Vatican Media

Vatican City, May 8, 2025 / 10:00 am (CNA).

The word conclave comes from the Latin “cum clave,” literally “with a key,” which conveys the image of the cardinal electors being locked in the Sistine Chapel until the new pope is elected.

Isolating the cardinals from outside influences began in 1271 when Pope Gregory X, after a conclave that lasted almost three years following the death of Clement IV — and which was marked by external political interference — approved the apostolic constitution Ubi Periculum, which imposed total isolation for the cardinals in addition to the requirement of continuous voting.

The legislative document prohibited the cardinal electors from receiving messages, visits, or any form of communication with the outside world. It also included pressure measures such as if they had not elected a pope after three days, their food was restricted: First, the most elaborate dishes were eliminated, then even wine.

The importance of secrecy became even more crucial in the modern era. During the 1903 conclave, Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria invoked “jus exclusivae” — the right of veto enjoyed by some European Catholic monarchies such as Austria, Spain, and France — to invalidate the candidacy of Italian Cardinal Mariano Rampolla through a representative in the Sistine Chapel.

Although the veto did not prevent Rampolla from gaining several supporters, it very likely influenced the final choice.

As soon as he took the chair of Peter, the newly elected Pope Pius X immediately abolished the veto to protect the conclave from all secular interference. The Ubi Periculum was modified and eventually suspended, but its spirit remains in force in later documents, such as the apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis of St. John Paul II (1996), which governs the current procedure for modern conclaves.

This document, which was amended by Benedict XVI before his resignation from the papacy in 2013, stipulates that violating the secrecy of the conclave is punishable by automatic excommunication (“latae sententiae”), one of the most severe sanctions under canon law.

The secrecy ends up being broken

However, the recent history of the Catholic Church shows that this secrecy eventually breaks. The 2013 conclave, in which Pope Francis was elected, is a clear example of how, despite strict secrecy, details about the voting rounds and the candidates with the most support were leaked.

Despite the confidentiality required by the process, journalist Gerard O’Connell reconstructed in his book “The Election of Pope Francis” how then-Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio allegedly received 45 votes in the second round of voting, a figure that rose to 85 in the fifth, thus exceeding the required two-thirds majority. 

He also revealed, citing internal sources, that the candidacies of Italian Cardinal Angelo Scola; Cardinal Marc Ouellet, former prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America; and Cardinal Sean O’Malley, president of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, also supposedly had strong showings in the initial ballots.

Even Pope Francis himself shared anecdotes from the conclave that elected him, such as Brazilian Cardinal Claudio Hummes’ suggestion that he adopt the name Francis in honor of the saint of Assisi.

In 2024, journalist Javier Martínez Brocal published the book “El Sucesor” (“The Successor”) in which the late pontiff, the only one with the authority to reveal information about the conclave without violating secrecy, brought to light other details, including those of the 2005 conclave in which Benedict XVI was elected. 

Attempts to block the 2005 election of Benedict XVI 

Specifically, Pope Francis revealed that in the 2005 conclave, following the death of St. John Paul II, the cardinal electors used his name to “block the election of Ratzinger and then negotiate a third, different candidate.”

“It so happened that I ended up with 40 of the 115 votes in the Sistine Chapel. It was enough to stop the candidacy of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, because, if they had continued voting for me, he would not have been able to reach the two-thirds necessary to be elected pope,” he recounted in the book by the Spanish journalist.

Pope Francis, the only one authorized to speak about what was going on in the conclave, stated bluntly: “They used me.”

After making this maneuver public, he made it clear that by voting for him, “the idea of ​​those behind the votes” was not that then-Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio would be elected. “It was a maneuver in all respects. The idea was to block the election of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. They were using me, but behind the scenes, they were already thinking of proposing another cardinal. They still didn’t agree on who, but they were about to throw out a name,” he emphasized in the book.

In any case, this phenomenon of airing the details of the conclave is not new. In 2005, after the election of Benedict XVI, journalist Lucio Brunelli published a detailed account of the conclave in the magazine Limes based on notes taken by a cardinal. Although these were secondary elements, they made it clear that the wall of silence can sometimes crack.

According to the apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, secrecy regarding the dynamics of the conclave also extends to non-elector cardinals, who this week participated in the general congregations, the meetings prior to the conclave.

This obligation, in Latin “graviter onerata ipsorum conscientia,” meaning “it weighs on the conscience of those involved,” underscores the profound moral responsibility to maintain secrecy even after the election has taken place, unless the pope himself grants a special dispensation.

However, the camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, is responsible for recording the results of the final vote count in writing, which also allows for controlled historical documentation of the process.

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.

Bishop Maurício Agostinho Camuto of the Diocese of Caxito in Angola greets children at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish of his Episcopal See. / Credit: Radio Ecclesia Angola

ACI Africa, May 8, 2025 / 09:00 am (CNA).

The formal education of children should be prioritized in Angola, Bishop Maurício Agostinho Camuto of the country’s Diocese of Caxito has told parents, guardians, and the government of the southern African nation.

In his homily during a pastoral visit to Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in the diocese, Camuto warned that prioritizing gold mining over “children’s schooling” has far-reaching consequences for the country’s future.

“Whatever good we want for our land must begin in our homes. And one of the first steps is education. Parents must be deeply concerned about their children’s education,” the bishop said during the May 4 Eucharistic celebration.

He added: “It’s not foreigners who will develop our land, it’s us. But to achieve that, we must invest in the education of our children.”

While he recognized the government’s effort in building schools in Angola, Camuto lamented that the facilities are underutilized.

“We’re told that many children are not attending classes. Instead, they are out digging for gold. My brothers, this is unacceptable,” he lamented.

The bishop, who is a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, condemned the practice of children abandoning their studies in favor of gold mining and called on parents and guardians to take firm action to ensure that children attend school.

“A child cannot spend their day chasing after gold. They must be in school, learning and preparing to contribute to society,” Camuto said.

He faulted parents who fail to monitor their children’s education, saying many are unaware if their children “attend school, complete assignments, or receive quality teaching.”

Turning to educators, the Church leader highlighted absenteeism among teachers as a serious issue.

“In many communities, teachers only show up once a week. The children are learning nothing. We have students in fifth or sixth grade who cannot read or write, who don’t know what 2 plus 2 is,” Camuto lamented.

He warned that continued neglect will result in the perpetuation of illiteracy and national decline, saying: “We risk being dominated again; not because of force but because of ignorance. We must not allow this.”

To address the problem, Camuto urged parents to demand accountability from teachers, reminding them that “public funds pay their salaries.”

He also challenged local authorities to enforce standards. “I say this before the local administrator: Take responsibility. Don’t allow an illiterate society to grow under your watch,” he said.

Camuto called for a collective commitment to change, saying: “Let every parent do their part. Demand that your children study. The time for play and gold digging can come later.”

This story was first published by ACI Africa, CNA’s news partner in Africa, and has been adapted by CNA.

Reference photo of two chefs. / Credit: Drazen Zigic/Shutterstock

Vatican City, May 8, 2025 / 08:00 am (CNA).

Nutritionist Giorgio Calabrese, an Italian doctor who specializes in nutritional science, prepared the menu for the cardinal electors who have kicked off the conclave to elect the next pope.

Speaking with ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner, the scientific adviser to the Italian Ministry of Health explained in detail the dishes that make up the special conclave menu, designed specifically to provide the necessary energy for the cardinals who will lead a sedentary life for several days.

“Since they won’t be moving around much and have little time because they have four votes a day, I proposed a menu tailored to this circumstance,” he explained.

The specialist emphasized that the cardinals “need to be focused,” and this raises cortisol, the so-called “stress hormone,” which the body produces “through the adrenal glands.”

Cortisol, Calabrese explained, “generates insulin, which normally burns sugar, but also generates fat,” which, he emphasized, “they must take into account.”

Breakfast

To lower cortisol levels, he explained that those from Northern European or American cultures, where savory breakfasts are more common, “are overloading their metabolic system just when they need immediate energy, i.e., simple carbohydrates.”

“So it makes more sense for them not to have bacon, eggs, and meat for breakfast but rather a sweet breakfast, with partially skimmed milk and toast with jam or honey.”

They will also be offered tea or coffee. “This is essential because in the morning they have to deal with the stress of voting,” Calabrese told ACI Prensa.

Lunch

“Lunch should be light, quick, and tasty, satisfying the palate without overloading with fat,” the nutritionist emphasized.

Therefore, the menu suggests a first course such as light pasta with tomato and fresh basil, or a vegetable or legume risotto, “for good digestion and a dose of carbohydrates that provide energy.”

For the main course, it would be “white meat or grilled, not fried, fish with steamed or grilled vegetables.”

He also emphasized the importance of using “extra virgin” olive oil and toasting the bread to avoid excessive crumbs, as they contain a lot of fat. On the other hand, he noted that the crust “contains carbohydrates rich in fiber.”

“Since they will continue in the afternoon with two more votes, they may take a short nap,” he explained. For dessert, the nutritionist recommended a piece of fruit.

Snack

“If they were outside, I would tell them to have ice cream. But since they can’t be, the nuns can give them fresh fruit, like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.”

Calabrese also recommended having “partially skimmed yogurt” mid-afternoon. “They can also have tea, but one with less caffeine, to avoid agitation.”

Dinner

By evening, they’ve already gone through four votes. “They’re stressed, so they can’t eat pasta carbonara or amatriciana.”

Dinner should be “easy to digest.” Therefore, the proposed menu includes “cooked ham, smoked salmon, bluefish or sardines, tuna without added oil or sauce, and bresaola.”

“All of this can be alternated with fresh cheeses, such as mozzarella,” he added.

Wine in moderation, high-proof alcohol prohibited

Calabrese clarified that if the cardinals desire wine, they should drink it in moderation, and if possible, “only a glass.”

Regarding high-proof alcohol, he explained that “it puts a heavy strain on the liver, and that takes energy away from the brain.”

“They need to keep their minds active and not overtax their liver. That’s why a glass of wine is enough. You drink water to hydrate, you savor wine to nourish yourself,” he pointed out.

In case they don’t like wine, the nutritionist suggested a “Moscato d’Asti, which is only 5% alcohol, is pleasant and low in calories and alcohol.”

Intolerances and allergies

Calabrese noted that, since there are 133 cardinals, someone probably has an intolerance or allergy, something that should be taken into account.

If there are celiac patients, he specified, “they can use gluten-free pasta, or rice, which is gluten-free. Also, oats, corn, and quinoa can be substituted.”

If someone is lactose intolerant, “instead of milk or yogurt, they can have tea or coffee.”

A secret menu ‘under oath’

Calabrese pointed out that the menu was submitted to the Vatican, but ultimately the final decision is made by the nuns who run St. Martha’s House — the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul.

In addition, there will be “trusted” laypeople in charge of serving the cardinals as well as several cooks, all of whom are sworn to secrecy, as are the other personnel involved, such as the transportation staff, who were sworn in last Monday.

The chef in charge of the kitchens is also subject to strict secrecy. Therefore, the exact menu reserved for the cardinals during the conclave is unknown.

Furthermore, all meals must be prepared exclusively at St. Martha’s House, as bringing in food prepared outside the Vatican kitchens is strictly prohibited.

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.

Black smoke billows from the chimney at 11:53 am local time over St. Peter’s square on May 8, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media

Vatican City, May 8, 2025 / 05:51 am (CNA).

Black smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel at 11:51 a.m. Rome time on Thursday, signaling that the cardinals voting at the conclave have not yet elected a new pope.

The plume of dark smoke indicates that the 133 cardinal electors sequestered inside the chapel have not reached the required two-thirds majority — at least 89 votes — needed to elect a successor to Pope Francis, who died on April 21.

Thursday marks the second day of voting in the conclave, which began on the afternoon of May 7 with a first round of balloting that also produced black smoke.

Thousands of faithful are gathered in St. Peter’s Square, hoping to witness history.

The cardinals will hold four votes each day: two in the morning and two in the afternoon.

If the new pope is not elected on the first morning ballot, a second ballot is held immediately. Both ballots are burned together, leading to possible smoke around noon Rome time. If, however, the pope is elected on the first morning ballot, the white smoke will appear shortly after 10:30 a.m.

The same process is repeated in the afternoon. After a brief break, two more votes will be held. If neither is conclusive, the smoke is expected around 7 p.m. Rome time. However, if the pope is elected on the first ballot of the afternoon, white smoke would be seen shortly after 5:30 p.m.

Thus, on both Thursday and Friday, observers should be alert for four possible times when the smoke may appear each day: two around noon and two in the evening. 

The cardinals are following a structured regimen during the conclave, beginning each day with Mass in the Domus Sanctae Marthae followed by transfer to the Sistine Chapel for voting. They remain completely sequestered from the outside world, with no access to phones, internet, or news media.

The historical average length for modern conclaves is approximately three days, though the conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI in 2005 lasted only two days.

Left to right: Cardinal Philippe Barbarin, Cardinal Vinko Puljić, Cardinal Josip Bozanić, Cardinal Péter Erdő, and Cardinal Peter Turkson. / Credit: MEDEF, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons/ EWTN News screenshot/ Pelz, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons/ Daniel Ibañez/CNA

Vatican City, May 7, 2025 / 16:29 pm (CNA).

With the start of the conclave May 7, there are five cardinal electors who bring a significant amount of experience to the process.

Four electors — Cardinals Peter Turkson, Philippe Barbarin, Péter Erdő, and Josip Bozanić — became members of the College of Cardinals in 2003 and have participated in two conclaves before this one.

Cardinal Vinko Puljić, the archbishop emeritus of Sarajevo, received the red hat in 1994, making him the elector with the most years — nearly 31 — as cardinal. He has also participated in two conclaves: the 2005 conclave that elected Benedict XVI and the 2013 conclave that elected Francis.

At 79 years old, Puljić is able to vote in the 2025 conclave by a margin of just four months. On Sept. 8, he will turn 80 and lose the privilege to elect a pope. 

The archbishop emeritus of Sarajevo, he is known for his role during the war in Bosnia, where he distinguished himself as a voice for peace and a defender of human rights. He was also president of the bishops’ conference of Bosnia and Herzegovina for a long time.

Cardinal Peter Turkson, 76, was chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences from 2022.

A biblical scholar and influential voice for social justice, the Ghanaian’s first role in the Vatican was as president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace from 2009 to 2017. Pope Francis then chose him as inaugural prefect of the Dicastery for the Promotion of Integral Human Development from 2017 to 2021.

Cardinal Philippe Barbarin, 74, is a from France, where he was archbishop of Lyon from 2002 to 2020. In 2020, he was acquitted on appeal of a 2019 conviction of failing to report sexual abuse.

Born in Rabat, Morocco, at the time under French protectorate, he served as a missionary in Madagascar and a professor of theology. He was bishop of Moulins from 1998 to 2002.

The 72-year-old Cardinal Péter Erdő, archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest and primate of Hungary, is a canonist and academic who has led the Hungarian and European bishops’ conferences for years. He is the author of over 250 studies in the fields of canon law and spirituality. In addition to the 2005 and 2013 conclaves, he has participated in a number of synods.

Cardinal Josip Bozanić, 76, archbishop emeritus of Zagreb, Croatia, was a prominent figure in dialogue between the Croatian Church and state, and in promoting justice and peace. He also served for many years as the president of the Croatian bishops’ conference.