VATICAN CITY: Catholic cardinals meeting in Rome on Monday have set May 7 as the start date for the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis, the Vatican spokesman said.
The cardinals will take part in a solemn mass at St Peter’s Basilica, after which those eligible to vote will gather in the Sistine Chapel for the secretive ballot, spokesman Matteo Bruni said.
The Vatican on Monday closed the Sistine Chapel to begin preparations for the conclave, during which Catholic cardinals from around the world cast ballots to elect a new pope.
“Notice is hereby given that the Sistine Chapel will be closed to the public as of Monday 28 April 2025 for the requirements of the conclave,” the Vatican Museums said on its website, ahead of an expected announcement of the conclave date.
