White Smoke Watch Begins: Vatican Sets May 7 for Conclave to Elect New Pope
Cardinals from around the world prepare to gather in the Sistine Chapel to select the 267th pontiff
- Conclave starts May 7 to elect the 267th pope following Pope Francis’s passing
- 134 cardinals will cast their votes in the Sistine Chapel
- Diverse global representation marks this conclave
The Vatican has announced that the conclave to elect the 267th pope will begin on May 7, following the funeral rites of Pope Francis.
The decision came after a General Congregation of cardinals held on April 28.
Taking place in the iconic Sistine Chapel, the conclave will bring together 134 cardinal electors under the age of 80, who will vote beneath Michelangelo’s legendary frescoes.
Prior to entering the chapel, the cardinals will celebrate the traditional Mass for the Election of the Roman Pontiff at St. Peter’s Basilica. They will then solemnly process into the chapel, singing Veni Creator Spiritus to call upon the Holy Spirit for guidance.
Inside, each cardinal will take an oath of secrecy and cast their votes in confidence. The chapel will be sealed off until a new pope is chosen, requiring at least 90 votes—or a two-thirds majority—for a valid election.
Most of the cardinal electors have already arrived in Rome, with the rest expected shortly. The timing of the conclave adheres to the customary 15- to 20-day window after a pope’s passing, which allows for the novendiales mourning period and travel logistics.
The world will once again watch the Sistine Chapel chimney for the smoke signals that mark each vote: black indicating no decision, white heralding a new pope.
This will be the first conclave following significant changes made by Pope Francis, who appointed 108 of the current electors and broadened geographical representation.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals, will oversee what is anticipated to be one of the most internationally diverse papal elections in Church history.
