Photo credit: The Vatican

It’s official — the countdown to the next papal election has begun.

On Monday morning in Rome, the cardinals gathered for the fifth General Congregation and agreed to begin the conclave on May 7, 2025. Around 180 cardinals are present in the Vatican right now, with just over a hundred eligible to vote for the next Pope.

As tradition dictates, the conclave will take place inside the Sistine Chapel, which will be closed to visitors during this solemn time. The chapel will transform from a tourist hotspot into the most sacred and secretive space in the world — where the next spiritual leader of the Catholic Church will be chosen.

So, what exactly happens during the conclave?

Before the voting begins, the cardinals attend a special Mass known as Pro Eligendo Papa — a Mass dedicated to electing a new Pope. Later that afternoon, the electors march in a solemn procession to the Sistine Chapel. Once inside, each one takes an oath promising secrecy and devotion to the sacred task ahead.

Once everyone who isn’t part of the conclave is told to leave — you’ll hear the words “extra omnes” for that — the doors are locked, and the chapel becomes completely sealed off from the outside world.

A brief reflection is then delivered, reminding the cardinals of the weight of their duty. Afterward, the cardinals may begin voting if they feel ready. No phones, no newspapers, no outside contact — just prayer, ballots, and the Holy Spirit.

How do they choose the next Pope?

To be validly elected, a candidate needs a two-thirds majority. The process involves multiple rounds of voting: up to four votes a day after the first round.

Once the votes are counted, the ballots are burned. The smoke rising from the chapel’s chimney tells the world the result — black smoke means no Pope yet; white smoke means Habemus Papam! (“We have a Pope!”)

If the cardinals hit a deadlock after three days, they pause for prayer, reflection, and possibly a pep talk from Cardinal Dominique Mamberti.

What happens after a Pope is elected?

When the white smoke finally appears, things move quickly. The elected cardinal is asked if he accepts the role and what name he wishes to take. At that moment, he officially becomes the new Pope.

The rest of the cardinals then pledge their obedience. Soon after, the world hears the joyful words from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica: “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum; Habemus Papam!” — followed by the name of the new Pontiff.

The new Pope then gives his first Urbi et Orbi blessing — to the city of Rome and the world.

In the weeks that follow, he will formally take possession of his cathedral, the Basilica of St. John Lateran — marking the start of his papacy in full.

May 7 is just around the corner, and with it comes one of the most significant spiritual events in the Catholic Church. The Sistine Chapel is about to witness history once again. Will we see a surprise choice, or someone expected? Either way, the world will be watching — and waiting for that white smoke.