The College of Cardinals has scheduled May 7 for the conclave to choose the 267th pope, following the passing of Pope Francis.

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The announcement was made on Monday, April 28, during a General Congregation meeting at the Vatican, officially signalling the Church’s transition into the election phase.

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Before voting begins, the cardinals will celebrate the Mass for the Election of the Roman Pontiff at St. Peter’s Basilica. In a solemn procession into the Sistine Chapel, they will chant Veni Creator Spiritus to seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

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Within the Sistine Chapel, under the gaze of Michelangelo’s frescoes, 134 cardinal electors under the age of 80 will take an oath of secrecy before casting their votes.

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The conclave’s tradition mandates that the doors be sealed once voting starts, with a new pope only elected if a candidate receives a two-thirds majority, meaning at least 90 votes.

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Officials at the Vatican confirmed that almost all eligible cardinals have arrived in Rome, and the few remaining are expected shortly. The May 7 date falls within the customary 15–20 day window after a pope’s passing, providing for the novendiales (nine days of mourning) and necessary travel time.

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During the conclave, the world will look to the Sistine Chapel chimney: black smoke will indicate no decision has been made, while white smoke will herald the election of a new pontiff.

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Pope Francis significantly shaped the composition of this College of Cardinals, appointing 108 out of the 134 cardinal electors and broadening global representation, especially from areas traditionally less represented in papal elections.

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Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside over what is anticipated to be one of the most diverse papal elections in the Church’s history.

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