Today at 4:30 pm cardinals electors will solemnly enter the Sistine Chapel, starting #conclave and choosing 267 popes in the history of the Church. This event follows the whole world – what is worth knowing about it?
What's a conclave?
Conclave is a closed assembly of cardinals, during which the new pope is elected. In 2025 133 electors from all over the world took part, who were cut off from contact with the outside world until the announcement of the decision.
Tradition and Mystery
Conclave takes place in the famous Sistine Chapel. The Cardinals swear to secrecy, and all electronic devices are blocked to ensure full confidentiality of the trial. This is the most secure selection in the world – even the service and doctors are obliged to remain silent.
How is the pope's election going?
The election begins with a solemn mass in St. Peter's Basilica, after which cardinals processively pass to the Sistine Chapel. There they sing the anthem "Veni Creator Spiritus" and take their oath.
Schedule of the first day
- 10:00 – Mass in St Peter's Basilica
- 16:15 – Assembly in Pauline Chapel
- 16:30 – solemn entrance to Sistine Chapel
- c. 17:00 – first vote
Voting rules
- Every cardinal writes the candidate's name on the card and throws it in the urn.
- It takes a majority of two-thirds of the vote to elect the Pope, which is at least 89 out of 133 this year.
- After each vote, cards are burned – black smoke means no choice, white smoke announces the new pope to the world.
What if we can't pick the Pope?
If there is no solution after three days, there is a day of prayer and conversation. Then the voting cycle repeats itself until it does. Modern conclave usually lasts from hours to days.
Who chooses the Pope?
In 2025 the electors are cardinals under 80, representing all continents. The most of them come from Europe, but Africa, Asia and both Americas also have a strong representation.
Why is the conclave so emotional?
The Pope's election is not only a religious decision, but also an event of great social and political importance. The new Pope will lead 1.4 billion Catholics and will influence global discussions on values, peace and justice.
Conclave 2025 is a historical moment – soon we will meet the new leader of the Catholic Church. It is worth tracking the smoke over the Vatican and witnessing this extraordinary event.
