On May 5, 2025, two days before the opening of the conclave to elect Pope Francis's successor, the Vatican experienced a day of intense activity. Between cardinal meetings, logistical preparations, and solemn oaths, this day constituted a decisive step in the transition to a new pontificate.
General Congregations: Cardinals Refine Their Vision
Tenth Congregation (Morning)
On the morning of May 5, 179 cardinals, including 132 electors, gathered for the tenth general congregation. Discussions focused on canon law, the role of Vatican City State, the missionary nature of the Church, and Caritas's commitment to the poor. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re informed that Cardinal Kevin Farrell had drawn lots for the cardinals' rooms, who will be housed at the Santa Marta residence.
Eleventh Congregation (Afternoon)
In the afternoon, the cardinals met for the eleventh general congregation. This session allowed for continued discussions on the state of the Church and upcoming challenges. Topics included migration, armed conflicts, synodality, and Church unity. Approximately twenty interventions were recorded, highlighting major pastoral and ecclesial concerns.
Security Measures and Confidentiality Protocols
Movements between the residence and the Sistine Chapel will be secured, and mobile phones will be left at Santa Marta during the conclave. On May 5, staff involved in the conclave, including secretaries, confessors, masters of ceremonies, maintenance personnel, nurses, cooks, florists, drivers, technicians, and security officials, took an oath of confidentiality, in accordance with the apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis. This oath was taken before Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church. Any violation of this oath results in automatic excommunication.
Material Preparations of the Sistine Chapel
Material preparations for the conclave intensified. Technicians installed the chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel, through which the white or black smoke signaling the outcome of the ballots will escape. Inside, workers set up the floor, wooden seats, lectern, and stoves necessary for the proper conduct of the conclave. The Sistine Chapel has been transformed into a secure space, with anti-espionage devices to ensure the confidentiality of deliberations.
A raised floor was installed, with 133 cherry wood seats bearing the name of each cardinal elector. Three urns were arranged for voting, and a central lectern supports an open Gospel on which the cardinals will take their oath. Two stoves were installed: one to burn the ballots, the other to emit the black or white smoke signaling the outcome of the ballots.
Presence of Cardinal Electors
According to Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office, all 133 cardinal electors are now present in Rome. In total, 179 cardinals participated in this meeting. This massive participation testifies to the historical importance of this conclave, which will determine the future of the Catholic Church.
Mobilization of Religious Sisters
Although they do not participate in the vote, nearly 900 superiors of female religious orders gathered in Rome to pray and reflect on the future of the Church. Sister Mary Barron, president of the International Union of Superiors General, urged the religious sisters to keep alive the flame of ecclesial renewal initiated by Pope Francis.
Climate of Expectation and Speculation
The absence of a clear favorite fuels speculation and behind-the-scenes maneuvering. Unfounded rumors are circulating, particularly about the health of certain candidates. Conservative and progressive groups are attempting to influence the electors, while activists are planning symbolic actions, such as the emission of pink smoke by the Women's Ordination Conference, to protest the exclusion of women from the decision-making process.
Controversies Surrounding Key Candidates
Two major figures of the conclave, Cardinals Pietro Parolin and Luis Antonio Tagle, have been accused by the watchdog group Bishop Accountability of not having acted sufficiently against sexual abuse in the Church. Cardinal Parolin also faces criticism regarding his role in the controversial 2018 agreement between the Vatican and China, which allows Beijing to have a say in the appointment of bishops.
Perspectives
The conclave will begin on May 7 at 4:30 PM in the Sistine Chapel. A two-thirds majority, or at least 89 votes, will be necessary to elect the 267th successor of Saint Peter. At the end of this day of intense preparations, the Catholic Church and the entire world eagerly await the announcement of the new pope, who will have to address the many challenges facing the institution, while continuing the work of renewal initiated by Pope Francis.
