The Catholic cardinals have scheduled the conclave to choose the successor to Pope Francis for May 7, deciding to delay the secret ballot by two days to allow for more discussion and a stronger consensus before secluding themselves in the Sistine Chapel. This decision was made on Monday, April 28, during the fifth General Congregation held in the Synod Hall. Although the conclave could have started on May 5, the cardinals chose to postpone it to facilitate additional informal meetings, exchange views, and seek agreements before the secluded voting process begins.
During this session, 20 interventions were made, focusing on the current challenges facing the Church and the qualities the new Pontiff should possess, as reported by Vatican News. Cardinals Reinhard Marx, Luis Antonio Tagle, and Dominique Mamberti were selected to assist the Cardinal Camerlengo in his duties during these days.
Time-Honored Tradition Governs the Process
According to the apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, issued by Saint John Paul II and later updated by Benedict XVI, the conclave should commence between 15 and 20 days after the Apostolic See becomes vacant, though it can begin sooner if all elector cardinals are present in Rome, as is the case now.
On the morning of May 7, before entering the Sistine Chapel, the cardinals will celebrate the solemn Mass Pro Eligendo Pontifice at St. Peter's Basilica. Following this, they will proceed solemnly into the Sistine Chapel, chanting the Veni, Creator Spiritus, where they will take an oath of secrecy, and the voting process will commence.
The Papal Selection Process
To be elected as Pope, a cardinal must secure a two-thirds majority of votes. There are four voting sessions each day (two in the morning and two in the afternoon). If no consensus is reached after 33 or 34 ballots, a mandatory runoff will be held between the two cardinals with the most votes, maintaining the two-thirds majority requirement.
Once a new Pontiff is chosen, he will be asked if he accepts the position and what name he wishes to adopt. Upon acceptance, the voting ballots will be burned, producing the iconic white smoke signaling the election of a new Pope. The newly elected Pope will then retreat to the "Room of Tears" to don the papal vestments and soon after will appear from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica to deliver his first Urbi et Orbi blessing.
Global Anticipation
The election of a new Pope is always a globally anticipated event, and this time is no different. With the ongoing arrival of cardinals from around the world to Rome and considering the current challenges faced by the Catholic Church, international attention will be keenly focused on every development within the Vatican starting May 7.
Pope Francis passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, at Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican, as announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, at 9:45 a.m. Rome time.
Understanding the Papal Conclave
What is the significance of the conclave's start date?
The start date allows cardinals additional time for informal discussions and consensus-building, aiming for a more unified decision before the formal voting begins.
How many votes are required to elect a new Pope?
A cardinal must receive a two-thirds majority of votes to be elected as the new Pope.
What happens if no candidate receives the necessary votes?
If no candidate secures the required majority after 33 or 34 ballots, a runoff between the top two candidates will take place, still requiring a two-thirds majority to win.