Context:

A conclave of 133 cardinals, meeting in the Sistine Chapel, will soon decide the next pope, with a notable global diversity among the electors, including a significant number from non-European regions. Although a majority of the voting cardinals were appointed by Pope Francis, the conclave represents a broader international spectrum than previous ones, with countries like Haiti, Myanmar, and Tonga participating for the first time. The potential for a non-European pope is heightened by the increased representation of cardinals from Asia and Africa, although there is still a disproportionate number of European cardinals compared to their global Catholic population. The conclave's outcome remains unpredictable due to the lack of a clear frontrunner and the evolving global nature of the Catholic Church. The decision will be signaled to the world by the traditional white smoke emerging from the Sistine Chapel, marking the election of a new pope.

Dive Deeper:

• The forthcoming papal conclave involves 133 cardinals who will gather in the Sistine Chapel to elect the next pope, with the meeting characterized by increased global representation compared to past conclaves.

• Significant changes in the College of Cardinals' composition include the appointment of many cardinals by Pope Francis, resulting in a broader international perspective, with many first-time voting cardinals from diverse regions.

• While European cardinals still constitute a substantial portion of the electors, the number of cardinals from Asia and Africa has increased, reflecting a shift toward a more globally representative voting body.

• The possibility of electing a pope from outside Europe, such as from Asia or Africa, is more likely than in previous elections, although Europe's disproportionate representation remains a factor.

• The conclave is notable for its unpredictability, with no clear frontrunner and the Catholic Church's increasingly global nature influencing the decision-making process.

• The final decision on the new pope will be announced through the traditional signal of white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel, indicating a successful election to the world.

• Pope Francis's influence on the College of Cardinals is evident, as a majority of the voting cardinals were appointed during his papacy, with a focus on diversifying the geographical representation of the electors.