AP PHOTOS: Day 1 of the conclave at the Vatican to pick the next pope

Wednesday 07 May 2025 16:23 BST

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Catholic cardinals from around the world gathered in the Vatican on Wednesday for the start of the conclave, the centuries-old secret voting ritual to elect a new pope to follow Pope Francis, who died April 21. The 133 cardinals are taking part in the most geographically diverse conclave in the faith’s 2,000-year history. Their cellphones are surrendered and airwaves around the Vatican are jammed to prevent all communications until they find a new leader for the 1.4 billion-member church.

This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.

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AP PHOTOS: Day 1 of the conclave at the Vatican to pick the next pope

AP PHOTOS: Day 1 of the conclave at the Vatican to pick the next pope

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