Rome, April 28, 2025 — Following the solemn funeral of Pope Francis this past Saturday, and which was attended mainly by catholics but warmly accompanied christians of all denominations, muslims, budhists, hindus, bektashi, scientologists and others , the College of Cardinals has announced that the conclave to elect his successor will officially commence on May 7, as confirmed by Italian newspaper Il Corriere della Sera. The decision was reached during a meeting of the cardinals on Monday morning in Rome.
Originally, May 5 was considered a probable date, but after further discussions, the cardinals opted for a slightly later start. According to the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, the conclave must begin between 15 and 20 days after the Pope’s death, offering some flexibility. Pope Francis passed away on April 21 at the age of 88, and thus the selected date falls well within the canonical window.
In preparation, the electing cardinals will reside at the Casa Santa Marta, although final details regarding accommodations are still being settled during the ongoing general congregations. The Vatican has already taken extensive security measures to safeguard the secrecy of the election, employing opaque glass, surveillance cameras, and even artificial intelligence systems to prevent any information leaks.
Meanwhile, Rome continues to witness an outpouring of public devotion. Approximately 70,000 faithful have visited the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore to pay homage at Pope Francis’s newly opened tomb, with long queues still forming outside the basilica.
In a sign of the community’s spiritual engagement, the “Adopt a Cardinal” initiative—originally launched during the 2013 conclave—has been revived by the Poor Clare nuns of Rimini. Faithful across the world are invited to spiritually “adopt” a cardinal and pray for divine guidance during the election process.
Tensions and Hopes Ahead of the Vote
The period leading up to the conclave has not been without controversy. Traditionalist Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Müller has stirred debate by expressing hopes that the next pontiff will reverse certain reforms introduced under Francis’s leadership. Speaking to La Repubblica, Müller remarked that the Church was “closing a chapter” and emphasized the need for orthodoxy in future leadership.
Another contentious issue is the participation of Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who was stripped of his privileges by Pope Francis after being implicated in financial scandals. Despite his condemnation, Becciu insists he retains his right to participate. The College of Cardinals is expected to hold a secret vote to decide whether he will be allowed into the conclave.
Cardinal Ángel Sixto Rossi of Argentina, on the other hand, voiced a more hopeful vision for the future. Speaking before the fifth general congregation, Rossi stated he prays for a pope who continues Francis’s legacy of mercy, though expressed that the new pontiff should also bring his own individuality to the role.
The Path Forward
The closure of the Sistine Chapel—announced by the Vatican Museums this morning—marks a significant step toward the conclave’s beginning. The chapel will remain closed to the public indefinitely to accommodate the secretive election process, which will continue until a candidate secures the necessary two-thirds majority. Only then will the world see the white smoke rise above St. Peter’s Square, signaling Habemus Papam—a new Pope for the Catholic Church.
As cardinals from all corners of the globe gather and the faithful join in prayer, the Catholic world holds its breath, awaiting the leader who will guide them through a new and pivotal chapter in the Church’s long history.
