With the death of Pope Francis, attention now turns to the selection of his successor.

The death of Pope Francis marks a significant turning point for the Catholic Church, initiating the process of electing a new pope through a conclave, a centuries-old tradition steeped in secrecy and ritual. Members of the College of Cardinals, the governing body of the Church, will come together in the Sistine Chapel, where they will cast their votes to determine Francis's successor. Historically, this is a notable occasion as it is anticipated that this conclave will be the most diverse in the history of the Church, reflecting the global nature of Catholicism today. For centuries, the College was predominantly European, particularly Italian, but this has changed dramatically under Pope Francis, who appointed nearly 80% of the current cardinals. As of now, 138 out of 252 cardinals are eligible to vote, and their selection is indicative of a shifting perspective within the Church, one that may lean towards inclusivity and representation of the global Catholic community. The conclave, a practice instituted in the 13th century, is marked by elaborate rituals that emphasize both secrecy and the solemnity of the election process. In the age of technology, traditional practices such as locking cardinals away to prevent external influences remain in place, including measures to block communications. The subsequent voting will continue until a candidate secures a two-thirds majority. Throughout history, some conclaves have been contentious and lengthy, prompting reforms to create a more efficient process. The recent election methods, set by former Pope Benedict, dictate how long the conclave should last if no consensus is reached—the possibility of a deadlocked conclave looms under the new rules. Once elected, the novo pontiff will announce his papal name, which often carries deep significance and gives indications of the direction his leadership might take. This time, when the white smoke fills the air from the chapel's chimney, it will signal not just the election of a new pope but also a pivotal moment in Church history. As the faithful await this announcement, the world looks on, eager to see who will guide the Catholic Church in an era fraught with challenges both internally and globally, from issues of moral authority to social justice and interfaith relations.