Overview

• The conclave to elect the successor to Pope Francis officially began on May 7, 2025, with 133 cardinal electors—the largest group in history—entering the Sistine Chapel.
• Cardinals swore an oath of secrecy and invoked the Holy Spirit during a solemn procession, led by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who is also considered a leading candidate for the papacy.
• The first ballot is scheduled for Wednesday evening, with black smoke expected to indicate no decision; a two-thirds majority (89 votes) is required to elect a new pope.
• Stringent protocols have isolated the cardinals from the outside world, with all communication devices surrendered and signal jammers deployed by Vatican security.
• Observers anticipate the election process could extend over several days, with up to four ballots held daily until a consensus is reached.