Why papal conclaves are always historic milestones
French cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco (C) attends the Eight Novemdiale mass, following the funeral of the pope and ahead of the conclave, at the St Peter’s Basilica in The Vatican, on May 3, 2025. Agence France-Presse
MANILA, Philippines — Papal conclaves don’t just elect the next pope — they mark turning points in the history of the Catholic Church and, often, the wider world. Because they come so rarely — only eight in the last century — each conclave becomes a global event, watched closely not only by Catholics but by political leaders, scholars, and media around the world.
The conclave that opens in Rome Wednesday, May 7, 2025, is no exception.
As cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel, they face not just the task of choosing a new pontiff, but of setting the direction of the Church for decades to come, amid deep divisions between progressives and conservatives, and rising voices from the Global South.
READ: Cardinals could pick Chito Tagle, ‘Asian Francis’, as next pope
With roots in centuries-old tradition but implications for today’s moral, social, and geopolitical challenges, every conclave is a milestone — and this one could be among the most consequential yet.
Who can be elected Pope? (Surprising rules)
- Any baptized male Catholic is technically eligible — not just cardinals.
- However, since 1378, only cardinals have been chosen.
- If a non-bishop is elected, he must be ordained bishop immediately before becoming pope.
- Minimum voting age? Cardinals must be under 80 to vote, but no age limit to be elected.
- No woman can be elected pope under current canon law — but legends persist about a “Pope Joan” in the Middle Ages (debunked).
READ: Divided Church, divided vote: Why conclave may take longer than expected
Famous firsts in papal conclaves
- First conclave — 1271, Viterbo, after a 3-year deadlock.
- First Non-Italian pope in 455 Years — John Paul II (1978), from Poland.
- First pope to resign in 600 Years — Benedict XVI (2013).
- First Jesuit pope — Francis (2013).
- First pope from the Americas — Also Francis (2013). /dl
Lito B. Zulueta, professor of journalism at the UST Faculty of Arts & Letters, covered the conclave of 2005 that elected Pope Benedict XVI and that of 2013 that elected Pope Francis.
