CNA Staff, May 6, 2025 / 06:00 am. All eyes have turned to Vatican City as the conclave to elect Pope Francis’ successor is set to begin May 7.

Vatican City is the smallest independent state in the world, an enclave tucked inside of Rome -- just 110 acres in area, with fewer than 1,000 residents.

Black smoke as Vatican conclave fails to elect new pope on first ballot. Tens of thousands of people gathered in Vatican City’s St Peter’s Square as cardinals voted in first ballot.