05/07/2025
Today the Papal Conclave begins. The Cardinal electors began the day in St. Peter's Basilica at 10:00 AM (Rome Time) with the pre-conclave votive Mass Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice, to pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance as they elect a new Pope. At 4:30 PM (Rome Time) this afternoon, the 133 Cardinal electors will gather in the Pauline Chapel to pray the Litany of the Saints, before processing into the nearby Sistine Chapel.
The first ballot will be cast on Wednesday, May 7 at 7:00 PM (Rome TIme) or 1:00 PM (Eastern Time). Throughout the following days, the Cardinal electors will vote four times per day, twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon. All ballots are burned afterwards, and smoke will rise to share with the world whether the new Pope has been elected. White smoke signals that the 133 Cardinal electors have decided on who the new Pope will be.
📸 credit: Vatican Media