Global News Podcast: How Will the Next Pope Be Chosen?

Release Date: May 5, 2025
Host: Nick Miles
Guest: Ali McBall, Religion Editor, BBC World Service

Introduction

In this special edition of the Global News Podcast, host Nick Miles delves into the intricate and historically rich process of electing the next Pope following the recent passing of Pope Francis. Joining him is Ali McBall, the BBC's Religion Editor based in Rome, who provides expert insights into the Conclave—a centuries-old tradition that remains pivotal to the Catholic Church.

What is the Conclave?

[00:39] Ali McBall:

"It is the selection of a new pope. Of course, there have been popes now for nearly 2,000 years... since 1059, the cardinals have done the deciding as to who the next pope will be."

The Conclave is a sacred and secretive meeting where the College of Cardinals convenes to elect a new Pope. The term "Conclave" originates from the Latin conclavus, meaning "with a key," referencing the practice of locking the cardinals in the Viterbo palace in the 1270s to expedite the election process.

The Importance of Secrecy

[02:19] Ali McBall:

"Cardinals are supposed to be channeling God... all of the cardinals taking part will take an oath at the beginning... to say that there will be no outside interference in the way they vote and they will be sworn to secrecy as well."

Secrecy is paramount in the Conclave to ensure that the cardinals can freely and purely elect the next Pope without external pressures. This includes not only the cardinals but also everyone involved in the Conclave's operations, from drivers to cleaners, all of whom are bound by a strict oath of secrecy under penalty of excommunication.

The Conclave Process

[04:27] Nick Miles:

"They will eat together, during which time one imagines the cardinals will speak to each other..."

[04:55] Ali McBall:

"All of the cardinals will be staying essentially on the premises of the Vatican... moving from the guest house each day to the Sistine Chapel... up to four votes a day."

Cardinals remain confined within the Vatican, particularly the Sistine Chapel, where they cast up to four votes each day. The process continues until a candidate secures a two-thirds majority. The first sign of a successful election is the appearance of white smoke from the chimney, signaling the selection of a Pope, followed by the new Pope's emergence on St. Peter's balcony.

Potential Candidates

[07:35] Nick Miles:

"There have been a number of names mentioned already for frontrunners."

[07:41] Ali McBall:

"Cardinal Pietro Parolin... Cardinal Luis Tagli from the Philippines... seen as the Asian Francis... Cardinal Erdo from Hungary, a strong conservative voice... Peter Turksen from Africa."

The diversity of the current Conclave introduces unpredictability. Notable potential candidates include:

• Cardinal Pietro Parolin: Secretary of State for Pope Francis, viewed as a diplomat and pragmatist.
• Cardinal Luis Tagli: Known as the "Asian Francis" for his progressive views on social issues and focus on the marginalized.
• Cardinal Erdo: Represents conservative factions within the Church.
• Peter Turksen: A key figure among African cardinals, potentially influencing a bloc vote.

[11:36] Nick Miles:

"Is it going to take that long? Normally over the last 20, 30 years, it hasn't taken that long."

Duration and Voting Mechanics

[11:58] Ali McBall:

"Normally a couple of days... previously concluded quickly, even though there was a conclave that lasted two and a half years."

While historically some conclaves have been prolonged, the expectation is for a swift decision, typically within a few days, especially given the Church's desire to present unity amidst global divisions. The requirement remains a two-thirds majority, reinstating Pope Benedict XVI's rule, ensuring that the election upholds centuries of tradition.

Naming the New Pope and Traditions

[13:30] Nick Miles:

"Who chooses the name for the new pope, and why is John the most popular name?"

[13:39] Ali McBall:

"The pope themselves chooses the name... tradition started with a cardinal named Peter... John is popular due to John the Evangelist."

The selected cardinal-elect selects a papal name, a tradition initiated to honor predecessors and significant saints. John remains the most popular name, symbolizing a connection to John the Evangelist and previous influential Popes named John.

Official Announcement and First Blessing

[15:20] Nick Miles:

"At that point we will have some kind of words from the new pope. What do they usually say?"

[15:28] Ali McBall:

"It will be the first blessing... something relatively short... a more formal Mass a few days later."

Upon announcement, the new Pope will deliver a brief blessing, outlining the focus of their papacy. This initial blessing precedes a formal Mass, marking their official capacity as the leader of the Catholic Church.

Challenges Facing the New Pope

[17:21] Ali McBall:

"Administrative challenges... corruption, financial corruption, issues of abuse... global causes like the environment and poverty."

The new Pope inherits a Church grappling with internal and external challenges, including:

• Administrative Reforms: Addressing financial irregularities and corruption within the Church's hierarchy.
• Abuse Scandals: Continuing efforts to combat sexual abuse and ensure justice for survivors.
• Global Issues: Tackling climate change, poverty, and inequality, reflecting Pope Francis's emphasis on social justice and environmental stewardship.
• Diverse Global Needs: Balancing the needs of Catholic communities worldwide, from conflict zones to regions facing declining church attendance.

[19:49] Ali McBall:

"Part of the mission to welcome more people into the church... inclusivity regardless of background."

Emphasizing inclusivity, the new Pope is expected to continue fostering a welcoming environment for all, transcending traditional boundaries to unify the global Catholic community.

Conclusion

Nick Miles wraps up the discussion by highlighting the significance of the Conclave in shaping the future of the Catholic Church. With a diverse group of cardinals and pressing global issues at stake, the election of the next Pope promises to be a pivotal moment for over a billion Catholics worldwide.

For more insights and updates on global events, listeners are encouraged to subscribe to the Global News Podcast and engage via globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk or through social media using the hashtag #globalnewsport.

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