Conclave to elect new pope on May 7

The College of Cardinals has set May 7 for the conclave. This conclave will elect the 267th pope after Pope Francis's death and burial. The announcement was made on April 28 during a General Congregation meeting at the Vatican.

The conclave will be held in the Sistine Chapel. There, 134 cardinal electors under 80 will vote beneath Michelangelo’s frescoes. First, the cardinals will celebrate Mass for the Election of the Roman Pontiff at St. Peter’s Basilica. They will then process into the chapel, chanting "Veni Creator Spiritus" to seek guidance from the Holy Spirit.

Inside, each cardinal will take an oath of secrecy. They will vote for whom they believe is best suited to lead the Church. The chapel doors will be sealed until a new pope is elected. A two-thirds majority of at least 90 votes is needed to declare a winner.

Most eligible electors have arrived in Rome already. The remaining few are expected soon, according to Vatican officials. The May 7 date falls within the traditional 15–20 day window after a pope's death. This allows time for a nine-day mourning period and travel from around the world.

People worldwide will watch for chimney smoke: black means no decision, white means a new pope has been chosen. This conclave follows Pope Francis's significant changes to the College of Cardinals. He appointed 108 of the 134 electors and increased global representation.

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, will oversee this conclave. It is expected to be one of the most diverse in Church history.