Conclave to Elect the Next Pope Will Commence on May 7

FILE - Italian Cardinal Giacomo Biffi, center, takes an oath at the beginning of the conclave to elect the next pope in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican, Monday, April 18, 2005.
FILE - Italian Cardinal Giacomo Biffi, center, takes an oath at the beginning of the conclave to elect the next pope in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican, Monday, April 18, 2005.
AP Photo/Osservatore Romano via AP, File
1 min read
Share
FILE - Italian Cardinal Giacomo Biffi, center, takes an oath at the beginning of the conclave to elect the next pope in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican, Monday, April 18, 2005.
FILE - Italian Cardinal Giacomo Biffi, center, takes an oath at the beginning of the conclave to elect the next pope in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican, Monday, April 18, 2005.
AP Photo/Osservatore Romano via AP, File
Conclave to Elect the Next Pope Will Commence on May 7
Copy

The conclave to elect the next pope will commence on May 7, according to the Vatican.

The decision was made at the Fifth General Congregation, held on Monday morning in the Vatican’s Synod Hall. The conclave will take place in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, which will remain closed to visitors during those days.

According to the Vatican, there are currently 135 cardinal electors eligible to vote in the conclave, though the number who will attend and vote is not yet confirmed.

In order to be elected pope, a two-thirds majority of electors present is required.

Copyright NPR 2025.

Rhode Island’s AG says the sweeping changes to HHS — including mass layoffs and regional office closures — are illegal and threaten critical public health services across the state
From culinary innovators to former governors, student leaders to presidential speechwriters, this year’s commencement season brings a diverse lineup of voices to the graduation stage across Rhode Island’s colleges and universities
Wage increases, better pension benefits and an eligibility change for job seekers help improve the hiring outlook for DEM’s law enforcement division
Report highlights continuing disparities linked to race, income and geography and federal programs under threat
ICE agents detained Juan Francisco Méndez after breaking through his car window with an axe. His wife, Marilú Domingo Ortiz, is now trying to be reunited with her husband
In the midst of a growing mental health crisis among young people, Rhode Island PBS and The Public’s Radio launch a week-long project highlighting resilience, community support, and youth-led solutions
Clinical psychologist Jacqueline Nesi helps parents navigate social media in her Substack, “Techno Sapiens”
The president and CEO of The Public’s Radio and Rhode Island PBS said she is “very concerned.”