Conclave to Elect the Next Pope Will Commence on May 7

FILE - Italian Cardinal Giacomo Biffi, center, takes an oath at the beginning of the conclave to elect the next pope in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican, Monday, April 18, 2005.
FILE - Italian Cardinal Giacomo Biffi, center, takes an oath at the beginning of the conclave to elect the next pope in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican, Monday, April 18, 2005.
AP Photo/Osservatore Romano via AP, File
Share
FILE - Italian Cardinal Giacomo Biffi, center, takes an oath at the beginning of the conclave to elect the next pope in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican, Monday, April 18, 2005.
FILE - Italian Cardinal Giacomo Biffi, center, takes an oath at the beginning of the conclave to elect the next pope in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican, Monday, April 18, 2005.
AP Photo/Osservatore Romano via AP, File
Conclave to Elect the Next Pope Will Commence on May 7
Copy

The conclave to elect the next pope will commence on May 7, according to the Vatican.

The decision was made at the Fifth General Congregation, held on Monday morning in the Vatican’s Synod Hall. The conclave will take place in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, which will remain closed to visitors during those days.

According to the Vatican, there are currently 135 cardinal electors eligible to vote in the conclave, though the number who will attend and vote is not yet confirmed.

In order to be elected pope, a two-thirds majority of electors present is required.

Copyright NPR 2025.

Business owners hope for a strong season but say instability — from lobster exports to Canadian travel — is making 2025 especially unpredictable
Bill was designed with Providence in mind but would authorize any municipality to adopt local tax
Special election fills unexpired term of late Senate President Dominick Ruggerio
A deed filed on Thursday shows that the Star Store’s longtime owner, Paul Downey, is transferring the downtown property to the Arts & Business Council Of Greater Boston. New Bedford’s mayor will announce the redevelopment plans at a press conference Monday morning
We highlight a few of the many events happening across the Community Libraries of Providence – from summer reading programs to summer concerts. Plus: a community action (book) club for teens at the Wanskuck Library