The College of Cardinals has officially set May 7 as the start date for the conclave to elect the 267th pope, following the death and burial of Pope Francis.
The announcement came Monday, April 28, after a General Congregation meeting at the Vatican, signalling the beginning of the final phase in choosing his successor.
The conclave will take place in the historic Sistine Chapel, where 134 cardinal electors under the age of 80 will cast their votes beneath Michelangelo’s famed frescoes.
In line with tradition, the cardinals will first celebrate the Mass for the Election of the Roman Pontiff at St. Peter’s Basilica before solemnly processing into the chapel, chanting Veni Creator Spiritus to invoke the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
Once inside, each cardinal will swear an oath of secrecy and vote freely for the man they believe most fit to lead the Church. The chapel doors will then be sealed until a new pope is elected. A two-thirds majority of at least 90 votes is required to declare a winner.
So far, nearly all eligible electors have arrived in Rome, with the remaining few expected in the coming days, Vatican officials confirmed. The May 7 start falls within the traditional 15–20 day window after a pope’s death, allowing time for the nine-day novendiales mourning period and travel from around the world.
The world will watch for the iconic chimney smoke: black for no decision, white for a new pope. The conclave comes after Pope Francis dramatically reshaped the College of Cardinals, appointing 108 of the 134 electors and expanding global representation, particularly from regions previously underrepresented in papal elections.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside over the proceedings in what is expected to be one of the most globally diverse conclaves in Church history.
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