Overview

• The papal conclave officially began on May 7, 2025, with the 'extra omnes' declaration and the closing of the Sistine Chapel doors at 17:43.
• Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa led the opening meditation, marking the start of the reflection and voting phase to elect the next Pope.
• Cardinal Giorgio Marengo, at age 50, is one of the youngest electors and the only cardinal from Cuneo, Italy, participating in the conclave.
• The 133 electors swore individual oaths of secrecy in Latin, with Cardinal Pietro Parolin presiding over the process.
• Marengo, a Consolata missionary, was appointed apostolic prefect of Ulan Bator in 2020 and created a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2022, reflecting the Church's focus on global representation.