The conclave to elect a new pope officially started on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. It began with a mass held at Saint Peter's Basilica at 4 a.m. ET (10 a.m. local time in Rome). After the mass, the cardinals processed to the Sistine Chapel at around 10:30 a.m. ET (4:30 p.m. local time) to cast their first vote for the new pope. The voting process continued throughout the day, with smoke signals emitting from the Sistine Chapel chimney to indicate the progress of the election—the black smoke meaning no decision yet and white smoke indicating the election of a new pope. The conclave process officially commenced with solemn ceremonies including a procession and oath-taking by the cardinals in the Sistine Chapel, sealing the venue until the new pope is elected. The conclave voting requires a two-thirds majority for a decision and can last several days until a new pope is chosen.