The conclave to elect the next pope will commence on May 7, 2025, as announced by the Vatican. Cardinals have been meeting to discuss the needs of the Catholic Church and the profile of the next pope. Approximately 135 cardinal electors will participate in the conclave, which will take place in the Sistine Chapel. The cardinals are hoping for unity and a quick decision, potentially within a few days. The selection process has already begun, with cardinals exchanging views and identifying potential candidates in pre-conclave gatherings.
7 days ago
The conclave to elect the successor to Pope Francis will begin on May 7, 2025 2 3 4. The date was decided during the general congregation of cardinals on April 28, 2025 1. The conclave will be held in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City 3.
Prior to the conclave, cardinals are participating in general congregations, which are seen as crucial for discussing the needs of the Church and identifying potential candidates 4 5. These meetings provide a forum for open discussion and allow cardinals to get to know each other 5. The meetings include formal speeches and informal gatherings 5. Over 180 cardinals have participated in these meetings, though only 135 are eligible to vote 2.
Approximately 135 cardinal electors, all under the age of 80, are expected to participate in the conclave 1 2. The College of Cardinals includes members from diverse backgrounds, many of whom were appointed by Pope Francis 2 5. The average age of the cardinal electors is 70.3 1. A key question remains whether Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who was convicted on finance-related charges, will be allowed to vote 2.
The conclave begins with a solemn Eucharistic celebration 3. Cardinal electors then proceed to the Sistine Chapel, where they take an oath to maintain secrecy and faithfully fulfill their duties 3. A two-thirds majority is required to elect a new Pope 1 3. Ballots are burned after each vote, with black smoke signaling an inconclusive result and white smoke indicating a successful election 3. After the election, the Cardinal Proto-Deacon announces "Habemus Papam" 3.
I can provide information about conclaves and papal elections based on Catholic teachings.
Here's what the Catholic Church teaches about papal elections and conclaves:
Location and Secrecy: The election of the Pope takes place exclusively in the Sistine Chapel of the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican . The Sistine Chapel is to remain an enclosed area until the election concludes to ensure total secrecy regarding anything said or done pertaining to the election . The College of Cardinals, under the authority of the Camerlengo, is responsible for ensuring the Sistine Chapel and adjacent areas are prepared for the election and that no audiovisual equipment is secretly installed for recording or transmission .
Participants: All Cardinal electors, convoked by the Cardinal Dean, are required to obey the announcement and proceed to the designated place for the election, unless hindered by sickness or another grave impediment recognized by the College of Cardinals . The Conclave occurs within the territory of Vatican City, in areas closed to unauthorized persons to ensure suitable accommodation for the Cardinal electors and those legitimately called to cooperate in the election . Including cardinals, prelates, and conclavists, there are perhaps two hundred and fifty persons in the enclosure .
Beginning of the Election: On the afternoon of the first day, the Cardinal electors assemble in the Pauline Chapel of the Apostolic Palace . Dressed in choir dress, they invoke the Holy Spirit with the chant of the Veni Creator and process solemnly to the Sistine Chapel, where the election is held . The Vice-Camerlengo, the Auditor General of the Apostolic Camera, and other prelates also participate in the procession . After prayers, the Cardinal Dean asks the College of electors whether the election can begin or if there are doubts about the norms and procedures . The election begins immediately if the majority of electors agree there is nothing to prevent it, following the procedures outlined in the Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis .
Eligibility: While it is typical for a Cardinal to be elected Pope, Church law does not explicitly reserve this right to Cardinals alone . Any male Christian who has reached the use of reason can be chosen, but not a heretic, schismatic, or notorious simonist .
The information above is intended to offer a summary of the process and requirements for papal elections, drawing from official Church documents and historical context.