Conclave to elect new Pope begins May 7

Vatican City

The process to elect a new Pope will begin on May 7, the Vatican announced. The College of Cardinals decided during their Fifth General Congregation to start the conclave in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, Vatican News reported.

Before the voting begins, the Cardinals will attend a special Mass called Pro Eligendo Papa, praying for guidance in choosing the next Pope. In the afternoon, the Cardinal electors will walk in a solemn procession into the Sistine Chapel, where the conclave officially starts.

During the election, the Cardinals must stay inside the sealed Sistine Chapel. They are banned from calling, messaging, or receiving any news from the outside world unless there is a serious emergency.

A new Pope must be chosen by a two-thirds majority of those present. After every voting session, the ballots are burned. If no Pope is chosen, black smoke will rise from the chapel chimney. If a Pope is elected, white smoke will appear.

Once elected, the new Pope’s name will be announced with the famous words, "Habemus Papam" (We have a Pope). Soon after, the new Pope will give his first blessing, Urbi et Orbi, from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Currently, there are 135 Cardinals eligible to vote, including four from India: Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, Cardinal Anthony Poola, and Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad.

The Sistine Chapel will stay closed to visitors until the election ends, ensuring complete privacy for this important process.