The process to elect a new Pope set to get underway with the conclave of Cardinals on May 7

ANI April 28, 2025 211 views

The Vatican conclave to elect the next Pope begins May 7 in the sealed-off Sistine Chapel. Cardinals, including four from India, will vote under strict secrecy until a two-thirds majority is reached. The world will watch for white or black smoke signaling the election result. The chosen Pope will then deliver the Urbi et Orbi blessing from St. Peter's Basilica.

"Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum; Habemus Papam." – Cardinal Proto-Deacon
Vatican City, April 28: The process to elect the next Pope will begin with the Cardinals called to the conclave of May 7, Vatican News reported. The College of Cardinals decided to summon the conclave at the Fifth General Congregation, held on Monday morning in the Vatican's Synod Hall.

Key Points

1

Cardinals to vote in sealed Sistine Chapel

2

Two-thirds majority required for papal election

3

Black or white smoke signals outcome

4

Four Indian cardinals among electors

The conclave will take place in the Vatican's Sistine Chapel, which will remain closed to visitors during that time, according to Vatican News.

The conclave will be preceded by a solemn Eucharistic celebration with the votive Mass Pro Eligendo Papa, attended by the Cardinal electors. In the afternoon, the Cardinal electors proceed in a solemn procession to the Sistine Chapel, where the Conclave begins to elect the new Pope.

All election procedures take place exclusively in the Sistine Chapel within the Vatican Apostolic Palace, which remains completely sealed off until the election is concluded. Throughout the election process, the Cardinal electors must refrain from sending letters or engaging in conversations, including phone calls, except in cases of extreme urgency, as per Vatican News.

They are not allowed to send or receive messages of any kind, receive newspapers or magazines of any nature, or follow radio or television broadcasts.

To validly elect a new Pope, a two-thirds majority of the electors present is required. After the votes are counted, all ballots are burned. If the ballot is inconclusive, a chimney positioned over the Sistine Chapel emits black smoke. If a Pope is elected, white smoke will billow out of the chimney.

The Cardinal Proto-Deacon then announces to the faithful the election and the name of the new Pontiff with the famous line: "Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum; Habemus Papam." (We have a Pope)

Immediately afterwards, the new Pope gives the Apostolic Blessing Urbi et Orbi from the Loggia of St Peter's Basilica.

Among the 135 cardinals currently eligible to vote in the Papal conclave, four are from India. These include Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, Cardinal Anthony Poola, and Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad.

Reader Comments

M
Maria L.
This is such an important moment for Catholics worldwide! 🙏 The secrecy and tradition surrounding the conclave always fascinates me. Praying for wisdom to guide the Cardinals in their decision.
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James T.
Interesting to see 4 Indian cardinals among the electors. The Church is becoming more globally representative, though I wonder if we'll see a non-European Pope anytime soon.
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Anna K.
The smoke signals are my favorite part! Such a unique tradition in our digital age. Will be watching St. Peter's Square closely on May 7.
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Robert P.
While I respect the traditions, the complete media blackout seems excessive in 2023. The Church could benefit from more transparency in the selection process while maintaining the sacred aspects.
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Sophia M.
The Sistine Chapel is such a breathtaking setting for this sacred event. Michelangelo's frescoes watching over the proceedings must be incredible. Hope to visit someday when it reopens!
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Thomas R.
The two-thirds majority requirement ensures consensus, but I wonder if it sometimes prolongs the process unnecessarily. Still, it's a system that's worked for centuries.

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Tags:
Pope election Vatican conclave Cardinals Sistine Chapel Papal smoke Indian cardinals