Following the passing of Pope Francis on April 21 at age 88, the Catholic Church prepares for the Papal Conclave 2025 to elect his successor. This historic process, held in the Sistine Chapel, will involve 135 cardinal-electors from around the world. 🌍🙏

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was elected in March 2013 on the fifth ballot, receiving 90 out of 115 votes, surpassing the two-thirds majority. His papacy lasted over 12 years as the 266th pope. ⌛👑

The upcoming conclave is scheduled to begin on May 7, with cardinals gathering for Mass at St. Peter's Basilica for divine guidance. ⛪🕊️ Conclaves vary in length; the longest modern one in 1903 lasted over five days. 📅 The Sistine Chapel has been closed to the public since April 28 and will remain so until the new Pope is elected. 🚪🛑

Once a cardinal receives the required two-thirds of the votes, he is asked if he accepts the papacy. Upon acceptance and choosing a papal name, white smoke signals the successful election. 🗳️💨 While any baptized Catholic male is technically eligible, custom dictates that the Pope is chosen from among the cardinals. Since the 14th century, only one non-cardinal has been elected Pope (Urban VI in 1378). 🧔📜

The longest conclave in history occurred in the 13th century after Pope Clement IV's death in 1268, lasting nearly three years until Gregory X was elected in 1271. 📖⏳ There have been a total of 266 Popes, starting with St. Peter. 🪙 Pope Francis was elected following Pope Benedict XVI's resignation in 2013. 🔁📆

Key Data: 📊

April 21: Pope Francis passed away at age 88. 🕊️
May 7: Conclave 2025 scheduled to begin. 📅
135 cardinal-electors will participate. 🧑‍🦳🧑‍🦲
March 2013: Pope Francis was elected on the fifth ballot with 90 out of 115 votes. 🗳️
Over 12 years: Length of Pope Francis' papacy. 🕰️
1903: Longest modern conclave (over five days). ⏱️
April 28: Sistine Chapel closed for the conclave. 🚪
1378: Last non-cardinal elected Pope (Urban VI). 🧓
1268–1271: Longest conclave in history (nearly three years). 📜
266: Total number of Popes in Catholic Church history. 📖
2013: Pope Francis elected following Pope Benedict XVI's resignation. 🔄

Reported by FazTimes Media. 📰

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