VATICAN CITY — The Vatican has announced that the conclave to elect a new Pope will begin on May 7, marking a pivotal moment for the Roman Catholic Church following the death of Pope Francis.
The Holy See Press Office confirmed the decision after the Cardinals present in Rome concluded their fifth General Congregation on Monday.
The election will take place in the Sistine Chapel, which will be closed to visitors during the proceedings to preserve the solemnity and secrecy of the event.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, led the Catholic Church for over a decade, leaving a legacy shaped by his commitment to social justice, interfaith dialogue, and institutional reform. His passing has triggered both mourning and reflection among the Church’s 1.3 billion followers worldwide.
This conclave will be the 266th papal election in the nearly two-millennia-long history of the Church, underscoring the profound significance of the choice ahead.
Cardinals from across the globe are preparing for what is widely seen as one of the most consequential papal elections in recent memory.
Although the conclave itself is governed by strict secrecy rules, informal discussions and alignments among the Cardinals often shape the direction of the election. Behind closed doors, conversations focus on the qualities needed in the next Pontiff and the future trajectory of the Church.
Speculation about potential candidates is already widespread. Several Cardinals from Europe, the Americas, and Africa are viewed as strong contenders, each representing different visions for the Church’s future.
The election process requires a candidate to secure a two-thirds majority among the voting Cardinals.
Once that threshold is met, the elected Cardinal will be asked if he accepts the role. Upon acceptance, the new Pope will be announced to the world with the traditional “Habemus Papam” (“We have a Pope”) declaration.
As the date draws near, Catholics and observers alike are turning their attention to Rome, where the Cardinals’ choice will have a lasting impact on the Church’s response to both contemporary challenges and timeless spiritual duties.
