The conclave that will elect the next successor of Peter will begin on May 7 at the Vatican, the Holy See announced earlier today (28).
The decision was made today during the fifth General Congregation, a meeting where conclave-related matters are discussed. 180 cardinals were present, of whom just over 100 are eligible to vote.
The Sistine Chapel, the historic site of conclaves since 1878, is now closed to visitors as preparations for the election are underway, including the installation of the chimney from which the iconic white smoke will signal to the world the election of the new pope.
How does the Conclave work?
The conclave opens with the solemn celebration of the Eucharist — the Mass “Pro Eligendo Papa” — attended by all the cardinal electors. In the afternoon, the cardinals process to the Sistine Chapel. Upon arriving, they take an oath as prescribed by paragraph 53 of Universi Dominici Gregis.
Through this oath, the cardinals pledge, if elected, to faithfully fulfill the Petrine Ministry as Pastor of the Universal Church. They also vow to maintain absolute secrecy about all matters related to the election and to avoid any external interference.
Following this, the Master of Pontifical Liturgical Ceremonies proclaims “Extra omnes,” meaning that all those not participating in the conclave must leave the chapel. Only the Master of Ceremonies and the ecclesiastic assigned to give a second meditation remain.
This meditation focuses on the gravity of the task ahead and the need to act with pure intentions for the good of the Church, keeping only God before their eyes. After the meditation, both the ecclesiastic and the Master of Ceremonies leave the chapel.
The cardinal electors then recite prayers according to the Ordo Sacrorum Rituum Conclavis.
At the end of the prayers, the Dean of the College of Cardinals will ask if they are ready to proceed with the voting or if any clarifications are needed regarding the procedures.
All electoral processes occur exclusively within the Sistine Chapel, located inside the Apostolic Palace, which remains sealed until the election is concluded.
Throughout the conclave, cardinal electors are forbidden from sending or receiving communications, including letters and phone calls, unless in case of extreme urgency. They may not read newspapers, listen to radio broadcasts, or watch television.
After each voting session, the ballots are burned. If no pope is elected, black smoke rises from the Sistine Chapel chimney. Once a candidate receives the required two-thirds majority, white smoke signals to the world that a new pope has been chosen.
