Follow the conclave news and discover the behind-the-scenes of this centuries-old tradition.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
On Saturday, April 26, 2025, the cardinals gathered in Rome observed a pause in their preparatory work for the conclave, due to Pope Francis's funeral taking place that day. No general congregation or formal meeting was held.
On Friday, April 25, 2025, the cardinals gathered in Rome held the fourth general congregation in preparation for the conclave scheduled for May 7. This session brought together 149 cardinals and was marked by in-depth discussions on the funeral of Pope Francis and the upcoming challenges for the Church.
On Thursday, April 24, 2025, the cardinals gathered at the Vatican for the third general congregation in preparation for the conclave scheduled for May 7. This session was marked by in-depth discussions about the current challenges facing the Church and spiritual preparation for the election of the new pope.
On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, the cardinals gathered in Rome held the second general congregation in preparation for the conclave scheduled for May 7. This session brought together 103 cardinals and focused on essential procedural aspects for the sede vacante period.
On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, the cardinals gathered at the Vatican for the first general congregation following the death of Pope Francis the day before. This inaugural session marked the official beginning of the sede vacante period and preparations for the conclave scheduled for May 7.
