On May 7, 2025, the papal conclave began, marking a historic moment with 133 voting cardinals, the highest number ever convened. Following Pope Francis's death on April 21, 220 cardinals gathered in Rome, with 108 cardinals appointed by Francis among the electors. The voting, conducted in the Sistine Chapel, will occur twice daily until a candidate secures two-thirds of the votes, or 89, to become the next pope. Front-runners include Cardinals Pietro Parolin, Luis Tagle, and Peter Erdo, amid discussions on the Church's future in light of global challenges.