The College of Cardinals has announced that the conclave to elect the 267th pope will officially begin on May 7, following the death and burial of Pope Francis.

The decision was made on Monday, April 28, during a General Congregation meeting at the Vatican, marking the start of the final phase to choose the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

The conclave will be held in the historic Sistine Chapel, where 134 cardinal electors under the age of 80 will gather beneath Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes to cast their votes.

Before entering the chapel, the cardinals will celebrate the traditional Mass for the Election of the Roman Pontiff at St. Peter’s Basilica, after which they will process into the Sistine Chapel singing Veni Creator Spiritus to invoke the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Once inside, the cardinals will take a solemn oath of secrecy and begin voting, with a two-thirds majority — at least 90 votes — needed to elect the new pope.

The chapel doors will be sealed until the election is concluded.

Vatican officials confirmed that nearly all eligible cardinals have already arrived in Rome, with the few remaining expected shortly.

The May 7 start falls within the traditional 15–20 day window following a pope’s death, allowing time for the novendiales, the nine-day mourning period, and global travel arrangements.

The world will once again turn its attention to the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, watching for the signal: black smoke indicating no decision, and white smoke announcing the election of a new pope.

This conclave is expected to be among the most diverse in Church history.

Pope Francis, who significantly reshaped the College of Cardinals during his pontificate, appointed 108 of the 134 electors, broadening representation from regions previously underrepresented in papal elections.

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside over the conclave.