Conclave: the Election of Pope Francis’ Successor to Begin on May 7

The Vatican announced on Monday, April 28, that the conclave to elect Pope Francis’ successor will begin on Wednesday, May 7. This solemn process comes a little over two weeks after the death of the pontiff, who passed away at the age of 88 on Easter Monday and was buried on Saturday.

A Strict and Secret Ritual

After a solemn Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, the 135 cardinal electors – all under the age of 80 – will gather in the Sistine Chapel, completely cut off from the outside world. No telephones, media, or newspapers will be allowed. They will stay at the Domus Sanctae Marthae inside Vatican City. All participants, including administrative and service staff, must take an oath of secrecy, with the penalty of excommunication for any breach.

The voting follows an ancient ceremonial tradition: two voting sessions will take place each day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with a maximum of four ballots per day (except on the first day, when only one session occurs in the afternoon). Black smoke will rise from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney after inconclusive votes; white smoke will announce the election of a new pope.

Two-Thirds Majority Required

To be elected, a cardinal must secure at least two-thirds of the votes. If no consensus is reached after three consecutive days of voting, the cardinals will pause for a day of prayer before resuming deliberations.

Among the 135 electors, five are French: Christophe Pierre, Dominique Mamberti, Philippe Barbarin, Jean-Marc Aveline, and François-Xavier Bustillo. Jean-Paul Vesco, Archbishop of Algiers – although born in Lyon and holding dual French-Algerian nationality – officially represents the Church of Algeria and is not counted among the French cardinals.

The name of the new pontiff will be proclaimed “urbi et orbi” from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, as the faithful around the world watch eagerly for the white smoke signaling a new chapter for the Catholic Church and its 1.4 billion members.