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.

State Properties Committee to schedule public hearing to address concerns about building’s condition
The Amica Mutual Pavilion in downtown Providence is already home to the Providence College Friars and the Providence Bruins
Eric Hyers helmed victories for David Cicilline and Gina Raimondo
Community pushback prompts reversal as Brown University Health prepares to unveil sustainable plan for the Noreen Stoner Drexel Birthing Center; evening rally to continue, spotlighting broader health care concerns