when will the conclave start

The next papal conclave will start on May 7, 2025. This date was agreed upon by the cardinals present in Rome during their fifth General Congregation at the Vatican. The conclave will take place in the Sistine Chapel, which will be closed to visitors during this period. Approximately 135 cardinal electors are eligible to participate in the voting process to elect the new pope, who must receive a two-thirds majority of the votes to be chosen. Once the conclave begins, the cardinals will take an oath and the voting process will proceed in secrecy until a new pope is elected.