Today, during the fifth General Congregation, the cardinals who gathered in the Vatican for the sede vacante (vacant see) period decided that the conclave to elect a new pope will commence on May 7, 2025.
The conclave will be attended by 133 cardinals, as reported by RAI 1.
The Apostolic Constitution of the Universi Dominici Gregis stipulates that the conclave will be held “on the territory of the Vatican, in designated places and buildings closed to unauthorized persons” to ensure proper accommodation of the cardinal-electors and the necessary secrecy of the procedure (No. 41), the publication Silere non possum notes.
On the eve of the conclave, the cardinal-electors will be housed in the Domus Sanctae Marthae (House of St. Martha), in line with established rules (No. 42). All rooms, including the Sistine Chapel and those meant for liturgical services, will be isolated and placed under the supervision of the cardinal camerlengo (No. 43). Preparations are already underway to insulate the windows of both the old and new sections of the Domus.
Once the conclave begins, cardinal-electors will be strictly prohibited from communicating with the outside world, except in cases deemed urgent and legitimate by the special Congregation (No. 44). Additionally, individuals present in the Vatican for valid reasons during this time will also be barred from contacting the cardinals (No. 45).
In addition, the Secretary of the College of Cardinals, the Master of Papal Liturgical Ceremonies with his assistants, several confessors and two doctors will be available to ensure the proper conduct of the election, as provided for in the said constitution (No. 46). All of these individuals are required to take a special oath of absolute secrecy before the conclave begins (No. 47-48), with the understanding that any breach of this secrecy will result in automatic excommunication (latae sententiae), which is reserved for the Apostolic See.
With today's decision, the Church solemnly and methodically initiates the process of electing a new Successor to Peter, fully adhering to the established canonical norms.