VATICAN, Italy – On the afternoon of Wednesday, May 7, 2025, under the gaze of Michelangelo’s frescoes, the 133 cardinals taking part in the 2025 conclave entered the Sistine Chapel.
This move signified that the ancient ritual to elect the Pope has officially begun following the death of Pope Francis last month.
At around 3:34 pm, the cardinal-electors gathered in the Pauline Chapel and, in reverse order of precedence, proceeded to the Sistine Chapel, chanting the “Litany of the Saints” and then the hymn “Veni Creator Spiritus,” invoking the Holy Spirit to descend upon them.
Leading the procession was a cross, followed by the choir and then the priest assistants to the Master of Ceremonies.
Behind them came the Secretary of the Concave, and then the cardinal tasked with delivering the first mediation after the chapel is sealed.
The cardinals followed in line, and finally, the Master of Ceremonies.
Among the cardinal-electors, tradition dictated the order: first the cardinal deacons, then priests, then bishops.
‘Extra omnes,’ ‘everyone out.’
The doors of the Sistine Chapel close with this proclamation, and all non-essential personnel exit.
After the personnel leave, it’s time for Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa to deliver a meditation, inviting the cardinals into a space of prayer and discernment before the highly anticipated exercise of voting for Pope Francis’ successor begins.
Against this background, we look at a clear illustration of the presumed schedule of the cardinals during the conclave that is currently underway, even as crowds await the smoke that will reveal the result of the first conclave ballot.
N/B: All times are expressed in CET.
8:15 a.m. – Mass together each morning
9:30 a.m.: Gather with a brief prayer, and cast the first ballot
10.30 a.m.: If Pope is elected, white smoke
– If no pope is elected, vote again
12 noon: Two rounds of ballots burnt together—white or black smoke
– Lunch and break
4 pm: Return to the chapel for another vote
If no pope is elected, vote again
5:30 p.m.: If a pope is elected, white smoke
7 p.m.: Two rounds of ballots burnt together—white or black smoke
– Dinner and sleep
The duration of the Conclaves in the last century:
1922 – Pius XI: 5 days
1939 – Pius XII: 2 days
1958 – John XX111: 4 days
1963 – Paul V1: 3 days
1978 – John Paul 1: 2 days
1978 – John Paul II: 3 days
2005 – Benedict XVI: 2 days
2013 – Francis: 2 days
