Papal Conclave 2025: what to know

What to know about the Papal Conclave and the first American Pope

Betty Jane Plitt, Staff

May 16, 2025

A view of the Papal Cathedra inside the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the ceremonial chair that symbolizes the Pope’s authority as Bishop of Rome, during a rare guided tour, in Rome, Italy, April 30, 2025. REUTERS/Yara Nardi

REUTERS/via SNO Sites/Yara Nardi

On Wednesday, March 7, the Sistine Chapel closed its doors and started what may be considered one of the most important meetings for Catholics: the Papal Conclave. After Pope Francis passed away on April 21, Vatican City began immediate preparations to elect a new Pope. The selections include candidates from places like Barcelona, Ghana, Jerusalem and America.

“All of the [Cardinals] get together and decide which [candidate] will be the best,” an anonymous Catholic student said.

Pope Leo XIV holds an audience with representatives of the media in Paul VI hall at the Vatican, May 12, 2025. REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane (REUTERS/via SNO Sites/Guglielmo Mangiapane)

Robert Prevost, the first American Pope in history, got first sworn in as a Cardinal in Sept. 2023. Now, two years later, he was sworn in as Pope Leo XIV.

“My outlook on the religion itself has not changed with this new pope, but I am curious to see what he will bring [to the Catholic church],” freshman Lucy Ortiz said.

Pope Leo XIV has done missionary work in Peru, serving as the bishop of Chiclayo, and has held significant roles in the Vatican, such as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.

“I think the fact that he is so experienced shows he is ready for this position, but then again every Cardinal probably needs to have these requirements,” freshman Cilla Dunn said.

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About the Contributor

Betty Jane Plitt, Staff

Betty Jane Plitt is currently a freshman at McIntosh and serving her first year on the Trail. Plitt often spends her free time reading, doing homework, listening to music or doing taekwondo, in which she has a black belt. Her current favorite book series is A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, which she highly recommends. Additionally, Plitt’s current favorite artists include Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, Laufey and the genre of folk music as a whole. Plitt also enjoys volunteering at places such as the Midwest Food Bank or Royal Animal Refuge. Although when she gets a chance away from her usual activities, Plitt is also part of colorguard in the McIntosh Marching Band. She specializes in flag currently but hopes to expand her skills to rifle and sabre. Plitt does not currently hold any achievements at McIntosh High School as she has not attended for very long but she was on honor roll for every grade at J.C. Booth Middle School. Plitt was also part of Beta Club and Thespian Society at J.C. Booth, eager to get involved wherever she can. Now as a member of the Trail, Plitt hopes to expand her knowledge on writing, on-site journaling and meeting deadlines.