The conclave to elect the new pope in 2025 began on May 7th. This date was set by the cardinals gathered in the Vatican and follows the traditional rule that the conclave start 15 to 20 days after the death of the previous pope. Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, and the conclave commenced as scheduled on May 7, 2025, in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican. The process started with a mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by the cardinals taking an oath of secrecy and entering the conclave to vote for the new Pope.