The conclave to elect the next Pope has officially begun in the Sistine Chapel, following the death of Pope Francis. A total of 133 cardinals have gathered under strict secrecy to choose the 267th leader of the Catholic Church.
The day began with a mass “Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice” in St. Peter’s Basilica at 10:00 AM, preparing the cardinals spiritually for the solemn task ahead. At 4:30 PM, they proceeded to the chapel, chanting traditional hymns. Once inside, all non-cardinal staff left, following the traditional declaration “Extra omnes!”
Voting is set to occur twice daily—including two rounds today. If white smoke emerges from the Sistine Chapel chimney around 7:00 PM, it will signal that a new pope has been elected by the required two-thirds majority (89 votes). Otherwise, black smoke indicates no consensus.
Due to reforms by Pope Benedict XVI, the conclave is not expected to last too long, but could still take several days. Analysts suggest that a new pope may be elected by Friday, as the Church wishes to avoid appearing divided during such a critical moment.
This is the first conclave for 108 of the 133 cardinals, most appointed by Pope Francis, meaning many are unfamiliar with each other—a factor that could influence the duration and dynamics of the vote.
