The Vatican has announced that the Papal Conclave to elect a new Pope will officially begin on May 7, 2025. The decision was made during the fifth General Congregation on Monday by approximately 180 cardinals gathered in Rome, of whom just over 100 are electors eligible to vote.
The sacred event will take place in the Sistine Chapel, which will be closed to visitors throughout the process. The conclave follows the procedures outlined in Universi Dominici Gregis, the apostolic constitution governing papal elections.
The process begins with a solemn Eucharistic celebration, the Mass Pro Eligendo Pontifice. That afternoon, the Cardinal electors will process into the Sistine Chapel, where they will each take an oath of secrecy and fidelity, pledging to protect the integrity of the election and maintain absolute confidentiality.
Following the “extra omnes” command—ordering all non-electors to exit—the electors will hear a final meditation before entering the voting phase. Voting takes place in secret, with two ballots cast in both the morning and afternoon sessions, unless a Pope is elected earlier.
A two-thirds majority is required to elect the next Pontiff. Ballots are burned after each vote, releasing either black smoke (inconclusive) or white smoke (successful election) from the Sistine Chapel chimney.
If no decision is reached after three days, a brief pause is observed for prayer and reflection before voting resumes.
Once a Pope is elected, he is asked whether he accepts the role and what papal name he will take. Upon his acceptance, he becomes the Supreme Pontiff, and the conclave concludes. The Cardinal electors then offer their obedience, and the famous announcement is made: “Habemus Papam!”
The new Pope will then deliver the Urbi et Orbi blessing from the Loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by his formal inauguration and eventual installation at the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran.
