What is a Papal conclave? How will the next pope be chosen?

aljazeera.comPublished: 5/6/2025

Summary

"The pivotal moment of the Catholic Church’s papal conclave sees five cardinals vote to elect or confirm a new pope over a four-day process divided into morning and afternoon sessions. Each cardinal casts their choice using the traditional ballot marked 'Eligo in Summum Pontificem,' symbolizing their selection during a solemn ritual at Michelangelo's Last Judgement altar. Pope Francis navigates challenges including balancing global representation with regional diversity, while addressing broader issues like declining attendance, sexual abuse scandals, and cultural tensions within the Church."