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Conclave Procedure and Process

The College of Cardinals is set to convene on May 7, 2025, in the Vatican to begin the conclave following the death of Pope Francis on April 21. This conclave will be historic, as it marks the first since the introduction of a nominal maximum of 120 cardinal electors, with 135 eligible participants. The cardinals will be sequestered in the Sistine Chapel, adhering to centuries-old traditions, including casting secret ballots until a new pope is elected. To be elected, a candidate requires a two-thirds supermajority of the participating electors.

Prior to the conclave, the cardinals will engage in general congregations to discuss the needs of the Church and the world. These meetings allow the cardinals to get to know each other and exercise their spiritual discernment, as many have never met due to Pope Francis not holding meetings of cardinals before his papal consistories. The discussions will be guided by reflections from distinguished clerics and will address major issues facing the Roman Curia.

The conclave is expected to be a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church, as the cardinals deliberate on the direction the Church should take in the post-Francis era. With a diverse group of electors, the outcome of the conclave will be closely watched, as it will determine the future leadership and priorities of the global Church.

 

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