On May 7, the Catholic Church will begin the conclave to elect the new Pope in the Sistine Chapel, following weeks of preparations and deliberations by cardinals from around the world.
The decision was made during the fifth General Congregation held in the Vatican’s Synod Hall, with the participation of over 180 cardinals. These meetings included discussions on the current challenges of the Church, its relationship with the modern world, and the qualities the next leader of the Catholic faith should possess. Additionally, three new cardinals were chosen to assist the Cardinal Camerlengo over the coming days. The final General Congregation will take place on May 6, after which the cardinals will enter the conclave under strict confidentiality.
According to the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, updated by John Paul II and Benedict XVI, the conclave must begin between 15 and 20 days after the papal vacancy. This period allows for the arrival of absent cardinals and ensures all are present before voting begins. During the conclave, the cardinals will follow a rigorous schedule of four ballots per day—two in the morning and two in the afternoon. A qualified majority of two-thirds is required to elect the new Pope, with provisions for additional rounds if necessary. At the end of each session, the ballots are burned; black smoke indicates no decision, while white smoke announces the successful election of a new Pontiff.
Once elected, the selected cardinal is formally asked whether he accepts the position and what name he wishes to adopt as Pope. After accepting, he retreats to the “Room of Tears” inside the Sistine Chapel to don the papal vestments. Following prayers and hymns, the famous “Habemus Papam” is announced, culminating in the appearance of the new Pope on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to deliver the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing.
