Cardinals from around the world will gather in the Sistine Chapel on May 7 to elect a new leader of the Catholic Church, following the death of Pope Francis.
The centuries-old conclave, known for its secrecy, will take place under Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes, with participants sworn to silence for life.
The process officially begins on May 5, when officials and staff involved in the conclave take an oath of secrecy. A special mass will be held on the morning of May 7 at St. Peter’s Basilica before the cardinals process to the Sistine Chapel to begin voting. The election will continue until a new pope is chosen, a process that typically lasts a few days. Pope Francis and Pope Benedict XVI were both elected within two days.
Only 133 out of 252 cardinals will participate, as only those under 80 are eligible to vote. The Vatican confirmed that two eligible cardinals, including Spain’s Cardinal Antonio Cañizares, withdrew due to health reasons. Most of the electors were appointed by Pope Francis, with many coming from regions traditionally underrepresented in the Vatican.
Security and secrecy measures will be strictly enforced. Cardinals will stay at the Santa Marta residence, with no access to phones, internet, or media. Any external communication requires approval from a panel of four senior cardinals. Anyone violating these rules faces immediate excommunication.
Voting takes place twice each morning and afternoon, with ballots burned after each session. Black smoke from the chapel’s chimney signals no decision, while white smoke announces a new pope. If no pope is elected after three days, the cardinals pause for a day of prayer and reflection before resuming voting.
Traditionally, the new pope is chosen from among the cardinals, though any Catholic adult male is eligible. The elected candidate is asked if he accepts the role and what name he will take. He then changes into papal vestments in the Room of Tears, where three different sizes of robes are prepared in advance.
The final moment comes when a senior cardinal steps onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and declares “Habemus Papam”—We have a pope! The new leader then greets the crowd, marking the start of his papacy.