Conclave to Elect New Pope Set to Begin on May 7

Vatican City — The Holy See Press Office has announced that the Conclave to elect a new Pope will officially begin on May 7, 2025.

The decision was made on Monday morning during the fifth General Congregation of Cardinals at the Vatican, where around 180 cardinals gathered, just over 100 of whom are eligible electors.

The election process will take place inside the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, which will remain closed to visitors throughout the Conclave period. The Chapel will be sealed off completely, ensuring the utmost secrecy and solemnity as required by Church tradition.

Procedure

Before the commencement of the Conclave, the Cardinal electors will participate in a solemn Eucharistic celebration known as the Pro Eligendo Papa Mass. In the afternoon, they will process into the Sistine Chapel, where each elector will take the oath prescribed under Universi Dominici Gregis, pledging to maintain absolute secrecy about all aspects of the election and to act solely for the good of the Universal Church.

Following the oaths, the Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations will proclaim “extra omnes,” signalling that all non-electors must leave the Chapel. A final meditation on the seriousness of the task ahead will be given to the Cardinals before the voting begins.

How a Pope is elected

To elect a new Pope, a candidate must secure a two-thirds majority of the votes cast. Should no candidate be elected after several rounds of voting, the Cardinals are allowed a break for prayer and reflection before resuming. Black smoke from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney will signal inconclusive ballots, while white smoke will announce that a new Pope has been chosen.

Once a candidate accepts the election, he is asked what name he wishes to take. With the acceptance and the announcement of the new name, the Conclave concludes immediately. The newly elected Pope will then greet the faithful with the traditional Urbi et Orbi Apostolic Blessing from the Loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica after the famous proclamation: “Habemus Papam” — “We have a Pope.”

After the formal inauguration ceremony of the Pontificate, the new Pope will also officially take possession of the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the cathedral church of the Bishop of Rome.

This historic moment is now set to unfold in a matter of days, as the world watches and prays for the election of the new Shepherd of the Catholic Church.

Credit: Vatican News