Cardinals gather in Rome as final conclave prep begins
On Monday, May 5, 2025, Rome welcomed all the cardinal electors entitled to participate in the upcoming conclave. Among them, a drawing took place, determining that 13 of them will stay on the Vatican grounds under slightly different conditions than the others.
What do you need to know?
- On Monday, May 5, 2025, all cardinals authorized to participate in the conclave gathered in Rome.
- The morning general congregation was the first with the full roster of electors, following the arrival of the last two cardinals to the Eternal City.
Preparations at the Domus Sanctae Marthae
Final preparations are underway for the cardinals' rooms at the Domus Sanctae Marthae, which are set to be completed by the end of Monday. On Tuesday evening, the cardinals will move into their apartments, where they will stay until Wednesday morning.
The residence chosen by Pope Francis contains 120 rooms, and an additional thirteen cardinals, randomly selected, will stay in the neighboring Santa Marta Vecchia complex.
Conclave Schedule
On Wednesday, May 7, at 10:00 AM local time, a "pro eligendo Pontifice" Mass for the election of the pope will be held. On the same day, at 4:30 PM local time, the cardinals will enter the Sistine Chapel, where they will take an oath and conduct the first vote. The second general congregation is scheduled for May 5 at 5:00 PM local time.
The Apostolic See's Press Office has provided the members of the College of Cardinals with documentation containing profiles and photos of all the cardinal electors, facilitating preparations for the deliberations. This is another step in ensuring the smooth running of the conclave, which will begin in the coming days.
