when does the conclave begin

The conclave to elect the new pope in 2025 officially begins on May 7th. On that day, the cardinals will gather for a Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in the morning, followed by a solemn procession into the Sistine Chapel in the afternoon where the conclave voting process will start. The conclave ceremony begins with the cardinals taking an oath of secrecy and committing to the responsibilities of electing the new pope. The Sistine Chapel will be sealed for the duration of the election until a new pope is chosen. This specific start date was set by the cardinals in late April 2025, about two weeks after the death of Pope Francis, in accordance with church rules that the conclave starts at least 15 days after the papal seat becomes vacant.