when is conclave 2025

The 2025 papal conclave to elect the new Pope began on 7 May 2025 in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican.

Quick Scoop

• The cardinals set 7 May 2025 as the official start date during their fifth General Congregation after Pope Francis’s funeral.

• The conclave followed the usual rules laid out in Universi Dominici gregis , which allow it to begin between 15 and 20 days after the papal seat becomes vacant.

• During the conclave, the Sistine Chapel was closed to visitors and strictly sealed off until the election of the new Pope was completed.

If you were seeing “Conclave 2025” in other contexts (like scouting or civic events), those are separate gatherings that just share the same name and not related to the papal election.