Overview

• The papal conclave will commence on May 7 in the Sistine Chapel, with cardinals holding their first vote that afternoon.
• All 133 voting cardinals under the age of 80 have taken secrecy oaths, surrendered electronic devices, and are housed in Casa Santa Marta under strict isolation protocols.
• Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State and a leading candidate, will preside over the conclave as its senior cardinal.
• The voting process requires a two-thirds majority, with black smoke signaling inconclusive ballots and white smoke announcing the election of a new pope.
• The conclave follows extensive preparations, including final discussions and the symbolic destruction of Pope Francis's papal seal and ring.