A papal conclave is set to begin in Vatican City starting May 7, during which cardinals from around the world will elect the next leader of the Roman Catholic church. The tradition occurs any time a pope dies or resigns from the office. Pope Francis died April 21, the day after Easter.

The search for the next pope is set to start on Wednesday, May 7. Once the pope is selected, white smoke will billow above Vatican City from the Sistine Chapel.

The secretive process could have begun as early as Monday, but the cardinals gave themselves extra time to get to know one another better.

workers installed curtains on the balcony today, where the new pontiff will appear. a temporary chimney is in place on the roof of the sistine chapel, where cardinals will cast secret ballots.

On Monday, May 5, 2025, at the Pauline Chapel in the Vatican, the staff involved in organizing the conclave will take a solemn oath. The ceremony, in accordance with the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis,