Key events
Pre-conclave mass starting in the Vatican
As the conclave day begins, the special mass – Mass for the election of a Roman Pontiff – is now starting in St. Peter’s Basilica, presided by the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re.
He is not an elector himself – he is 91 years old so above the limit of 80 to take part in the vote – but will lead this morning’s prayers.
You can follow all the texts from the mass here, in Latin, Italian and English.
After the mass, the cardinals will return to Santa Marta, have lunch, and then start their proceedings in the Sistine Chapel.
What to expect today? – timeline
As it’s the first day of the conclave, the timing is slightly different than we will see in the following days (if, as anticipated, they are needed).
So, here’s what to expect:
At 10am Rome time, the cardinals will gather at St. Peter’s Basilica to take part in a mass Pro eligendo Romano Pontifice, the Mass for the election of a Roman Pontiff.
At 3pm, mobile signal across the Vatican will be deactivated, with all devices taken away from the cardinals, as they are sequestered for the duration of the electoral process.
At 4.15, they will start a procession to the Sistine Chapel, where they will start their proceedings approximately fifteen minutes later, at 4.30pm.
Due to a late start, we expect only a single round of voting today, with the result to be announced with black or white smoke from the chapel’s chimney around 7pm.
If they fail to elect the new pope today, they will return tomorrow morning, switching to four rounds of voting a day: two in the morning (10.30am, midday), and two in the evening (5.30pm and 7pm), for as long as needed.
Morning opening: Extra omnes
Jakub Krupa
133 Catholic cardinals will meet behind the closed doors of the Sistine Chapel for the first time today to decide who should be the 267th successor of Saint Peter, following the death of Pope Francis last month.
One of the most fascinating electoral processes in the world, the conclave always attracts global attention – not just because of its global significance in choosing the next head of the Catholic church leading 1.4 billion faithful, but also because of its centuries-old traditions and mysteries.
At around 4.30pm local time, the famous phrase “extra omnes” – all out – will be heard inside the Sistine Chapel telling everyone but the cardinals to leave the plenary, formally starting the secretive election process.
We will bring you all the latest here.
It’s Wednesday, 7 May 2025, it’s Jakub Krupa here, and this is Europe Live.
Good morning.
