The Vatican has announced that the papal conclave to elect a new pope will begin on May 7, 2025, following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday. He was laid to rest at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, initiating the “sede vacante” period—Latin for “empty seat”—during which the papacy is vacant.
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The conclave, derived from the Latin term meaning “with key,” refers to the cardinals’ seclusion during the election process. The Pope’s official ring and seal have been destroyed to prevent their misuse. The decision to begin the conclave on May 7 was made during the fifth general congregation of cardinals at the Vatican’s Synod Hall, after the traditional nine-day mourning period known as the Novemdiales Masses.
The conclave will be held in the Sistine Chapel, which will be closed to the public during the proceedings. A special Eucharist attended by the cardinal electors will precede the vote. Out of 252 cardinals, 135 under the age of 80 are eligible to vote. These electors are bound by strict confidentiality and must reject any outside influence.
Regionally, Europe holds the largest share of voting cardinals (53), followed by Asia (23), North America (20), Africa (18), South America (17), and Oceania (4). Italy leads with 17 voting cardinals, followed by the U.S. with 10 and Brazil with seven. The UK has three electors.
To elect a new pope, a two-thirds majority is required. If the total number of electors isn’t divisible by three, an extra vote is added. The first vote will take place on the afternoon of May 7, with four votes each day thereafter—two in the morning and two in the afternoon.
Ballots are burned after each vote: black smoke signals an inconclusive result, while white smoke announces the successful election of a new Pope. If no consensus is reached after three days, the cardinals will pause for a day of reflection and prayer before resuming the process. They will remain sequestered in the Vatican until the new pope is chosen.
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