The Vatican Prepares to Hold the Conclave in the Sistine Chapel

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May 5, 2025 Hour: 8:07 am

Workers have installed two stoves and a chimney through which 133 cardinals will send up white smoke.

On Monday, the Vatican press office reported that final preparations are underway in the Sistine Chapel for the conclave set to begin on May 7.

Workers have installed two stoves and a chimney through which 133 cardinals will send up white smoke, signaling that they have elected a successor to Pope Francis.

If no consensus is reached, black smoke will be emitted, a process that will be managed electronically. However, the presence of a specialist will still be required to oversee the smoke production in case of any unforeseen issues.

The electoral process will consist of four ballots per day—two in the morning and two in the afternoon. After the 33rd or 34th ballot, if necessary, a second, direct, and mandatory round will be held between the two cardinals who received the most votes in the final round. However, a two-thirds majority will always be required.

Here are the first images of Michelangelo’s majestic Sistine Chapel nearly ready to welcome the cardinal electors for the upcoming conclave on May 7. pic.twitter.com/t6xOR9XuZC
— EWTN Vatican (@EWTNVatican) May 3, 2025

Also on Monday, all ecclesiastical and lay personnel involved in organizing the conclave will take an oath of absolute secrecy regarding everything that takes place. The oath will be administered in the Pauline Chapel.

This measure will apply to the Secretary of the College of Cardinals, the Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations, and the Papal Masters of Ceremonies, but also to doctors and nurses, elevator operators of the Apostolic Palace, dining and cleaning staff, and even flower arrangers and technical services personnel, as well as the colonel of the Pontifical Swiss Guard assigned to monitor the vicinity of the Sistine Chapel.

Taking the confidentiality oath means they can never disclose anything they see or hear. The wording of the oath—administered in private, away from cameras and journalists—is solemn and carries the penalty of excommunication in case of violation.

The cardinals will take their oath upon entering the Sistine Chapel on the afternoon of May 7. The conclave will be presided over by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, in the absence of the Dean, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who is 91 years old.