The Conclave
Photography
In May 2025, a papal election was held in the Vatican City to elect a new pope to succeed Francis, who had passed away in the previous month. It also happened during a Jubilee year, a Holy Year traditionally celebrated once every twenty-five years that drew pilgrims to Rome from across the globe. The convergence of the two events draws millions of people to the Vatican City to witness the historical moment.
While the conclave itself remained hidden behind the walls of the Vatican, the atmosphere outside was filled with expectation as crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square. Religious pilgrims arriving for the Jubilee continue their spiritual journeys towards the holy site. Supporters of papal candidates wave flags and express support for the cardinal from their own country or region. Journalists and media crews, fully equipped with cameras and lights, stand ready to report every development and reaction. Alongside them are also other tourists and locals, who might have little connection to the church, and are merely drawn by the uniqueness of the occasion and would like to participate in a historical event.
For the period of two days, St. Peter’s Square was filled with a palpable sense of anticipation and excitement, shared by all the people there with vastly different backgrounds.
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