Vatican Prepares for Papal Conclave as Final Mass Takes Place
The last mass before the election of the new pope was held in St. Peter's Basilica, setting the stage for the conclave.
On May 7, 2025, the final mass before the conclave to elect a new pope was celebrated at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.
This ceremony, known as "Pro eligendo pontifice" (For the election of the Pontiff), marks a crucial moment as cardinals prepare to enter the Sistine Chapel for the voting process.
The mass commenced at 10:00 AM local time, with participants praying for guidance from the Holy Spirit in selecting a new pope.
The mass was presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals.
During his homily, he emphasized the importance of divine assistance in choosing a leader for the Catholic Church amidst challenging times.
Access to the mass was open to the public; however, due to the significant interest in the event, many attendees, including press members, were relegated to St. Peter's Square to follow the proceedings.
Despite fluctuating weather conditions that included sudden rain showers, many onlookers remained devotedly engaged in the liturgy.
As scheduled, the cardinals were set to enter the Sistine Chapel at 4:30 PM later that day to officially begin the conclave, with the first ballot expected to take place soon after.
The outcome of this initial vote will be marked by smoke signals from the chapel's chimney, with black smoke indicating no pope has been elected and white smoke signaling that a new pontiff has been chosen.
The first smoke signal is anticipated between 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM.
In the following days, the cardinals will hold multiple voting sessions, with the procedure allowing for two votes each morning and two each afternoon until a new pope is elected.
The protocol, detailed in the apostolic constitution "Universi Dominici Gregis," outlines the voting system and the conditions necessary for a successful election.
If no results are obtained after three consecutive days of voting, sessions will be suspended for a day of reflection before resuming the election.
This conclave is taking place in a period marked by significant anticipation, with hundreds of journalists and pilgrims present in Vatican City.
The selection process reflects both a deep spiritual undertaking and a significant moment in the governance of the Catholic Church, with the elected pope expected to address the contemporary challenges faced by the global faithful.
As the world watches the developments in Vatican City, the Catholic community is united in prayerful anticipation for the new leader who will guide them into the future.
This ceremony, known as "Pro eligendo pontifice" (For the election of the Pontiff), marks a crucial moment as cardinals prepare to enter the Sistine Chapel for the voting process.
The mass commenced at 10:00 AM local time, with participants praying for guidance from the Holy Spirit in selecting a new pope.
The mass was presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals.
During his homily, he emphasized the importance of divine assistance in choosing a leader for the Catholic Church amidst challenging times.
Access to the mass was open to the public; however, due to the significant interest in the event, many attendees, including press members, were relegated to St. Peter's Square to follow the proceedings.
Despite fluctuating weather conditions that included sudden rain showers, many onlookers remained devotedly engaged in the liturgy.
As scheduled, the cardinals were set to enter the Sistine Chapel at 4:30 PM later that day to officially begin the conclave, with the first ballot expected to take place soon after.
The outcome of this initial vote will be marked by smoke signals from the chapel's chimney, with black smoke indicating no pope has been elected and white smoke signaling that a new pontiff has been chosen.
The first smoke signal is anticipated between 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM.
In the following days, the cardinals will hold multiple voting sessions, with the procedure allowing for two votes each morning and two each afternoon until a new pope is elected.
The protocol, detailed in the apostolic constitution "Universi Dominici Gregis," outlines the voting system and the conditions necessary for a successful election.
If no results are obtained after three consecutive days of voting, sessions will be suspended for a day of reflection before resuming the election.
This conclave is taking place in a period marked by significant anticipation, with hundreds of journalists and pilgrims present in Vatican City.
The selection process reflects both a deep spiritual undertaking and a significant moment in the governance of the Catholic Church, with the elected pope expected to address the contemporary challenges faced by the global faithful.
As the world watches the developments in Vatican City, the Catholic community is united in prayerful anticipation for the new leader who will guide them into the future.
