The Vatican has officially announced when the world will find out who the next leader of the Catholic Church will be. After a series of meetings known as the General Congregations, the cardinals present in Rome agreed to begin the conclave on May 7, 2025.

According to the announcement, “the date was set on Monday morning by the approximately 180 cardinals present (just over a hundred of whom are electors) gathered for the fifth General Congregation in the Vatican.” As tradition demands, the conclave will be held in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, which will be closed to visitors during this time.

What to Expect During the Conclave

The process to elect a new pope is steeped in solemnity and secrecy. It will start with a Eucharistic celebration known as the Pro Eligendo Papa Mass, which the Cardinal electors will attend together. In the afternoon, they will enter the Sistine Chapel in a formal procession to begin the conclave.

Once inside, each elector will take a sacred oath, committing “to faithfully fulfill the Munus Petrinum as Pastor of the Universal Church” and promising absolute secrecy about the election proceedings, as reported by Vatican News. The Chapel will then be sealed off from the outside world. No letters, no phones, no newspapers — complete isolation for the duration of the voting.

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, will oversee the proceedings. If necessary, after inconclusive ballots over three days, the process allows for a short break for prayer and reflection before resuming voting.

To elect a pope, a two-thirds majority is required. Once the votes are cast, ballots are burned: black smoke for no decision, white smoke for a new pope.

What Happens After a Pope is Elected?

Once a candidate is chosen, the Dean will formally ask two questions: “Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?” and “What name do you wish to be called?”

Upon acceptance, the new pope immediately assumes full authority over the Catholic Church. The cardinal electors then pledge their obedience, and soon after, the world hears the announcement: “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum; Habemus Papam!” (I announce to you a great joy; We have a Pope!).

The new pontiff will then appear on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to deliver the Apostolic Blessing Urbi et Orbi, marking the beginning of a new era for the Catholic Church.

Will the St. Malachy Prophecy Come into Play?

While Catholics and non-Catholics alike will be watching the events of May 7, unfold, prophecy watchers around the world will be paying even closer attention. Many are wondering if this election could fulfill the centuries-old St. Malachy prophecies, which predict that the final pope would be associated with the name Peter.

Speculation will swirl over whether a cardinal named Peter is elected — or if the newly chosen pope adopts the name Peter himself. If so, it would send shockwaves through the prophetic community and beyond.

One thing is certain: the world will be watching the white smoke and waiting to see what name will echo from the Vatican’s ancient walls.

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