There is a great deal of anticipation as the conclave is set to elect a new pope at the Vatican City in Rome, starting from today.

Some cardinals will remain at the Sistine Chapel until a new pontiff gets a nod.

The new pope will replace Pope Francis who passed away due to a stroke and heart failure on Easter Monday.

More than 100 cardinals, all under the age of 80 and from across the world, will take part in the conclave and decide who should be the next leader of the 1. 4-billion-member church.

Vatican expert Philip Pullella says, “When the cardinals have reached a decision, the cardinal who has been elected says yes I accept my election as pope, as the successor of Saint Peter. The ballots on which the cardinals have written the name of the new pope or the names of all people they have elected are burned after each vote. Then they are, it’s added with a chemical additive, they are put into a stove. A chemical additive is added so it will be black smoke for we have not elected a pope.”

From the voting of cardinal electors to the burning of ballots in a cast-iron stove dating back to 1939, here’s a look at what happens inside the Sistine Chapel during a papal election.https://t.co/tKWirsoCSI

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 6, 2025

Father Hugh O’Connor, Secretary General of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference, explains the church’s expectations for the next pope.

“The church is looking for is looking for someone who exhibits holiness, a closeness to God both spiritually and also in their daily lives. One is not looking for absolute perfection because nobody is perfect. We’re looking for a person who has leadership abilities, somebody who is able to speak, as they say, truth to power both in the church as well as in the world. Somebody who’s able to speak up for the voiceless. Somebody who exemplifies the qualities of a good human being.”

Conclave to elect new Pope begins Wednesday