The 133 cardinals from 71 countries across five continents will cast their votes in total confidentiality within the Sistine Chapel until the white smoke announces the election of a new Pontiff.

During the Mass Pro eligendo Romano Pontifice, celebrated this morning, May 7, and presided over by Cardinal Re, 220 cardinals—both electors and non-electors—concelebrated, among them the one who will be chosen as the 267th Pontiff of the universal Catholic Church.

The last time smoke was seen during a conclave was in 2013, so many people are unfamiliar with this centuries-old ritual. Therefore, we want to explain what happens to produce the "conclave smoke."

Under penalty of excommunication, those who will work during the election of the new pontiff swear absolute secrecy regarding everything that takes place in the Vatican during the Conclave.

Understand the meaning, origin, and how the Conclave ritual works.

Cardinals set conclave start date this Monday, April 28

Starting tomorrow, Sunday, April 27, the faithful and pilgrims will be able to visit the tomb of the Holy Father, located in the side nave between the Chapel of Salus Populi Romani and the Sforza Chapel in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major.

This morning, April 26, the funeral Mass for Pope Francis took place at St. Peter’s Square in a historic ceremony that gathered thousands of faithful, including our founder, Moysés Azevedo, who came to bid a final farewell to the Pontiff.