The papal conclave in 2025 began on 7 May 2025 in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican.

Key facts at a glance

  • Start date: 7 May 2025.
  • Location: Sistine Chapel, Apostolic Palace, Vatican City.
  • Occasion: Convened to elect the 267th Pope after the death of Pope Francis.
  • Context: The date was set by the cardinals during their fifth General Congregation, held two days after Pope Francis’s funeral.

A bit of background

Under the rules in Universi Dominici gregis (as amended in 2013), cardinals must begin a conclave between 15 and 20 days after the papal seat becomes vacant, but they have some flexibility within that window. In 2025, they chose 7 May as the official opening, following the traditional Novemdiales mourning period and preparatory meetings in Rome.

What happened on the day

On 7 May 2025, the cardinal electors attended a special Mass Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice in St. Peter’s Basilica before processing to the Sistine Chapel for the start of the voting sessions. Once inside, they swore an oath of secrecy and began the balloting rounds that would lead to the election of the new pope.

TL;DR: If you’re searching “when is the papal conclave 2025,” it already took place—its official start date was 7 May 2025 in the Sistine Chapel, Vatican City.

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