Everything You Need to Know About the 2025 Papal Election
Every time a pope passes away or steps down, a centuries-old ritual is set in motion — a process shrouded in solemnity, secrecy, and deep spiritual reflection. That process is the papal conclave, and it begins when one essential question arises: “When does the conclave start?”
The papal conclave to elect the 267th Pope will begin on May 7, 2025. As the Roman Catholic Church prepares to elect a new pope in 2025 following the end of Pope Francis’ historic papacy, millions around the globe — both devout Catholics and interested onlookers — are asking this very question.
Here’s everything you need to know about the start of the conclave and what it means for the Church and the world.
What Is a Conclave?
The papal conclave is the highly secretive and ritualized process by which the College of Cardinals elects the next pope. The word “conclave” comes from the Latin cum clave, meaning “with a key” — signifying the cardinals are locked away, cut off from the outside world, until they reach a decision.
This sacred tradition takes place inside the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, where cardinals pray, vote, and discern the will of the Holy Spirit.
When Does the Conclave Start in 2025?
While the exact date of the conclave is determined only after the papacy becomes vacant, here’s how the timeline typically works:
- Day 0: The papacy officially ends — either through the death or resignation of the current pope.
- Days 1–9: A period of mourning and preparation known as the novemdiales begins. During this time, cardinals arrive in Rome, funeral rites are held if the pope has died, and logistical preparations begin.
- Day 10–15: The conclave is usually scheduled to begin between 10 to 15 days after the papacy becomes vacant.
Once the start date is announced, it is widely publicized by the Vatican.
How Is the Start Date Chosen?
The College of Cardinals determines the start date during meetings known as General Congregations, held in the days following the papal vacancy. These meetings also address key issues such as:
- Housing arrangements for cardinals
- Security and media restrictions
- Final conclave rules and logistics
Only cardinal-electors under the age of 80 are allowed to vote, and they must be present in Rome before the conclave begins.
What Happens on Day One of the Conclave?
The opening day is marked by rich symbolism and ancient rites:
- Morning Mass: A special Mass “Pro Eligendo Papa” (For the Election of the Pope) is celebrated in St. Peter’s Basilica.
- Procession to the Sistine Chapel: In the afternoon, cardinals process to the chapel while singing the Litany of the Saints.
- Oath of Secrecy: Each cardinal takes a solemn oath to uphold the confidentiality of the conclave.
- Extra Omnes: A designated official utters the words “Extra omnes” (Everyone out), and all non-cardinals exit the chapel.
- Voting Begins: The first vote may occur that evening, though it often doesn’t result in a pope being elected on the first try.
From that point forward, the conclave continues with two voting sessions per day — morning and afternoon — until a new pope receives the required two-thirds majority.
Why Is This So Important?
The start of the conclave is not just a moment for the Church — it is a moment for history. The election of a new pope marks the beginning of a new spiritual and political era for the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics. The man chosen will lead not only the Church’s internal renewal but also influence major conversations on climate change, inequality, peace, human rights, and technology.
How to Stay Updated
Once the conclave starts, the only official sign of progress is the smoke signal from the Sistine Chapel chimney:
- Black smoke: No decision yet.
- White smoke: A new pope has been elected.
When the white smoke appears, bells ring out across Rome, and the world waits for the words:
“Habemus Papam!” — “We have a pope!”
The question “When does the conclave start?” is more than just a scheduling detail — it’s the first step in a sacred drama that has captivated the world for centuries. Whether you’re watching from a cathedral pew or a mobile screen, the start of the conclave is a time of mystery, unity, and global anticipation.
So keep your eyes on Rome. History is about to be written in smoke.