The papal conclave to elect the next pope officially began on May 7, 2025. The cardinal electors entered the Sistine Chapel on that day to start the conclave, following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025. The conclave procedure started with a solemn Mass at St. Peter's Basilica in the morning, followed by the cardinals processing into the Sistine Chapel in the afternoon. The conclave was held in the Sistine Chapel, which was closed to visitors during this period.