Articles
Understanding the conclave, the College and the life of the Church: history, procedures, news.
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Process · · 7 min read
The Rules of the Conclave
The conclave, a solemn and mysterious moment when cardinals gather to elect a new pope, follows a process codified long ago, which has its roots in the history of the Church. However, the whole process has undergone numerous changes while maintaining the sacred dimension of the papal monarchy. Here we review the rules of the conclave and the modalities of papal election, taking into account the latest changes introduced by Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI.
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News · · 3 min read
Chronicle of the Conclave - May 4, 2025
As the conclave scheduled for May 7 approaches, the College of Cardinals enters a decisive phase marked by uncertainty, strategic silence, and contrasting hopes for a Church seeking clear direction. While the Vatican remains closed to any official communication, numerous statements, leaks, and analyses published this Sunday reveal a divided ecclesiastical landscape, but one resolutely turned toward a future it hopes will be inspired.
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News · · 3 min read
Chronicle of the Conclave - May 3, 2025
As the Catholic Church prepares to elect a new pope following the death of Francis on April 21, the ninth general congregation of cardinals was held this Saturday at the Vatican. In an atmosphere mixing solemnity, negotiations, and uncertainties, May 3 was marked by intense discussions, strategic revelations, and an increasingly electric climate behind the scenes in Rome.
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Process · · 5 min read
Is the Pope’s Choice “Dictated” by the Holy Spirit?
It is sometimes said that the Holy Spirit "makes" the election of the Pope. But God does not dictate decisions to men. He enlightens them, provided they are open to his action.
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News · · 2 min read
Chronicle of the Conclave – May 2, 2025
On Friday, May 2, 2025, five days before the opening of the conclave, the cardinals gathered in Rome continued their discussions amid growing tensions. The talks concern both the future direction of the Church and controversies involving certain members of the College of Cardinals.
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News · · 2 min read
Chronicle of the Conclave - May 1, 2025
On Thursday, May 1, 2025, in Rome, the cardinals continued their activities in preparation for the conclave scheduled for May 7. Although no general congregation was scheduled for that day, several notable events marked the day, including liturgical celebrations, informal discussions, and developments concerning certain cardinals.
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News · · 1 min read
Conclave Chronicle - April 30, 2025
On April 30, 2025, the cardinals gathered in Rome held the seventh General Congregation in preparation for the conclave scheduled for May 7. This session brought together 181 participants, including 124 cardinal electors. The meeting began at 9:00 AM with a moment of prayer and continued until 12:30 PM.
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News · · 1 min read
Conclave Chronicle - April 29, 2025
On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, the cardinals gathered in Rome held the sixth General Congregation in preparation for the conclave scheduled for May 7. This session brought together 183 cardinals, including 124 electors, and began with a spiritual meditation given by Dom Donato Ogliari, abbot of St. Paul Outside the Walls.
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News · · 1 min read
Chronicle of the Conclave - April 28, 2025
On Monday, April 28, 2025, the cardinals gathered in Rome held the fifth general congregation in preparation for the conclave scheduled for May 7. This session was marked by key decisions and in-depth discussions on the future of the Church.
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News · · 1 min read
Conclave Chronicle - April 27, 2025
On Sunday, April 27, 2025, the cardinals gathered in Rome observed a pause in the general congregations, in accordance with the tradition of the Novemdiales, the nine days of mourning following the death of the pope. No formal session took place that day.