Two Cardinals Who Nearly Became Pope Instead of Leo XIV – One Has a Surprising Hobby
Following a historic conclave, a new pontiff has emerged, surprising many, as he was not among the two cardinals widely seen as frontrunners, including one known for his singing abilities that had drawn both praise and criticism.
On April 21, 2025, Pope Francis passed away at 88, leaving his position empty in the Vatican and now the Catholic Church has a new leader, Pope Leo XIV. Two candidates who initially appeared strongest were not ultimately chosen. Here’s what we know about the process and the cardinals who were expected to prevail.
The Voting Process
The Vatican has a decree that outlines the timing regulations for beginning a conclave after the papal seat becomes vacant. In part, the document states that from the moment the papacy becomes vacant, 15 full days must pass before the conclave to elect a new pope begins.
This period allows time for all cardinal electors to arrive. However, if all the electors are already present, the College of Cardinals has the authority to start the conclave earlier. They may also delay it a few days beyond the 15, but only for serious reasons
After 20 days have elapsed since the vacancy began, all cardinal electors present must commence the election. The voting process begins with the distribution of ballots marked with the Latin phrase “Eligo in Summum Pontificem” (“I elect as Supreme Pontiff”), where cardinals write the name of their chosen candidate.
Roles are assigned by lot: three scrutineers to count votes, three infirmarii to assist sick cardinals, and three revisers to verify the count. All non-electors exit the chapel before voting begins, and the doors are sealed.
Each cardinal elector, in order of precedence, casts their vote at the altar while reciting an oath invoking Christ as witness to the sincerity of their choice. Votes are collected in a chalice, and additional provisions are in place for those unable to walk or attend in person.
After all ballots are cast, they are counted and verified. If the count does not match the number of electors, the vote is nullified and repeated. Valid ballots are read aloud, tallied, pierced, threaded, and preserved. To elect a new pope, a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority, at least 89 of the 133 votes in the conclave.
Voting occurs up to four times daily, with ballots burned in a cast-iron stove first used in 1939. A second stove emits smoke signals from a chimney above the Sistine Chapel: black for no result, white for a successful election.
After every set of rounds without a result, pauses for prayer and spiritual exhortation are introduced. If 21 votes pass without success, the process narrows the choice to the top two candidates, though they cannot vote for themselves, and a two-thirds majority is still required.