By Paschal Norbert
VATICAN CITY, MAY 7, 2025 (CISA NEWS) – Under the watchful gaze of Michelangelo’s Last Judgment and to the solemn chant of the Veni Creator Spiritus, the Church today entered one of its most sacred and suspenseful rituals—the beginning of the Conclave to elect the 267th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church.
At exactly 4:30 p.m. Rome time (5:30 p.m. East Africa Time), the Cardinal Electors will process into the Sistine Chapel, where they will take their oaths and begin the solemn task of choosing the next Bishop of Rome and the successor of St. Peter.
A Sacred Entry into the Conclave
The 133 Cardinal Electors will gather in the Pauline Chapel of the Vatican Apostolic Palace by 4:15 p.m. Wearing their full choral attire, they will be led by the chant of Veni Creator Spiritus (Come, Oh Holy Spirit) into the Sistine Chapel, invoking the Holy Spirit to guide their decision.
Once inside, each cardinal will approach the Book of the Gospels to swear an oath of secrecy and fidelity. Then, the Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations will proclaim “Extra omnes!”—“Everyone out!”—and the chapel doors will be closed. At that moment, the Church will enter into a period of silent discernment.
The Voting Will Begin
If the cardinals choose to proceed with a vote this evening, it will take place shortly after the doors are sealed. Should no one receive the required two-thirds majority (80 votes), the cardinals will hold up to four ballots daily—two in the morning and two in the afternoon—until a new pope is elected.
The faithful around the world will look to the chimney of the Sistine Chapel for a signal. If black smoke rises, it will mean no decision has been reached. If white smoke appears, it will signal the joyful news: Habemus Papam—we have a pope.
Watch for the Smoke
Beginning today, smoke may rise around 6:30 p.m. or 8:00 p.m. (EAT). If no election occurs tonight, tomorrow’s key times to watch will be 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., following each pair of ballots.
A Tradition of Unity and Faith
This moment will mark a continuation of a centuries-old tradition. As Archbishop Kaigama once noted, “The Conclave is the Upper Room experience of the Church.” It is a time of quiet prayer, profound discernment, and deep unity among the cardinals and the faithful.
The man who will emerge from this Conclave will not only be the spiritual leader of over 1.3 billion Catholics but also a moral voice in a divided and rapidly changing world. He will be called to serve with humility, justice, and compassion.
As the Sistine Chapel doors remain closed and the Church waits in silence, millions around the globe will lift their hearts in prayer. All eyes will turn upward to the chimney, awaiting the white smoke that will announce the next successor of St. Peter.
Until then, the world will wait.
