On the morning of May 7, 2025, the College of Cardinals assembled at St. Peter’s Basilica for the solemn Mass Pro Eligendo Pontifice, as the Church prepares to elect the successor to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21.
Presiding over the liturgy was Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the oldest among the cardinals. In his homily, he emphasized the spiritual gravity of the moment: “We are here to ask for the help of the Holy Spirit, imploring His light and strength so that the Church and humanity may receive the pope they truly need at this difficult and complex moment in history.”
More than 5,000 faithful filled the basilica and the surrounding St. Peter’s Square to join in prayer during this pivotal time for the Catholic Church.
Cardinal Re stressed the mission of the future pontiff, saying: “We pray for a pontiff who can awaken the conscience and vitality of society, which—despite its great technological progress—tends to forget God.”
He also addressed the cardinal electors directly, urging them to approach the task ahead with humility and focus: “Let us put aside all personal concerns and keep God, Jesus Christ, and the good of the Church and of humanity at the forefront of our minds and hearts.”
A total of 133 cardinal electors under the age of 80 took part in the liturgy, all of whom will enter the conclave later today to begin the voting process. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State and widely viewed as the frontrunner in this papal election, will preside over the proceedings.
At 4:20 PM local time, the cardinals will process from the Pauline Chapel to the Sistine Chapel. Approximately ten minutes later, the doors will be sealed, marking the official start of the conclave. The first vote is expected to take place shortly afterward.
The world will be watching around 7:00 PM (Italy time), when the first smoke signal is expected to rise from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel. Black smoke will indicate no decision has been made, while white smoke will signal that a new pope has been elected.
Source: ANA-MPA, Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
