The papal conclave to elect the new pope officially began on May 7, 2025. On that day, a mass was held at St. Peter's Basilica in the morning, followed by the cardinal electors processing into the Sistine Chapel in the afternoon to cast their first votes. The conclave took place in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, with cardinals under the age of 80 eligible to vote. The date was set by the cardinals gathered for the general congregation in the Vatican after the passing of Pope Francis.