The College of Cardinals gathered for their sixth General Congregation on April 29, Tuesday morning in the New Synod Hall, where 183 cardinals were present, including over 120 cardinal electors.
Asia has strengthened its influence within the Catholic Church, with 37 cardinals now part of the College of Cardinals as of April 2025, including 23 electors who will participate in the papal conclave set for May 7, 2025.
The conclave to elect the 267th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church will commence on May 7th, 2025, following the Novemdiales Masses for the eternal repose of the late Pope Francis.
Despite a modified schedule following the death of Pope Francis, the Jubilee of Teenagers was held in Rome from April 25–27, 2025, drawing tens of thousands of young people from around the world.
In a heartfelt departure from tradition, Pope Francis requested to be laid to rest at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, rather than the Vatican Grottoes where many of his predecessors lie, on April 26.
As of April 2025, Asia has become a major voice in the Catholic Church, contributing 37 cardinals to the College of Cardinals—23 of whom are electors, eligible to vote in a future papal conclave.
Cardinals gathered for their fourth General Congregation on April 25, Friday morning in the New Synod Hall, as the Church prepares to bid farewell to Pope Francis with the solemn funeral of “a shepherd, not a sovereign.”
In a moving tribute to the late Holy Father, Pope Francis, Radio Veritas Asia (RVA) organized a special Rosary prayer service on Friday, April 25, uniting voices across Asia to pray for the eternal repose of his soul.
Following the funeral rites of Pope Francis scheduled for Saturday, April 26, cardinals under the age of 80 from around the world will gather at the Vatican in the following days to participate in the conclave to elect the next pope.
