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Conclave

Vestments rest in the Room of Tears at the Sistine Chapel ahead of the conclave to elect the next pope, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media

The Room of Tears: Where New Popes Go Right After Their Election

May 7, 2025

The Room of Tears is just a few feet away from the Sistine Chapel, where the monumental decision of the papal election is made by Catholic cardinals.

Cardinal Cristobal López Romero, Archbishop of Rabat | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News

"Unity is not made by Pope”: Morocco-based Cardinal Elector Weighs In On New Papacy and Unity, Emphasizes Collaboration

May 2, 2025

Just days before the conclave begins, Spanish Cardinal Cristobal López Romero, Archbishop of Rabat (Morocco), assured ACI Prensa that unity in the Catholic Church depends not only on the Pope, but on all Catholics. 

Cardinals celebrate the Novendiales Masses on the fourth day of mourning for Pope Francis on April 29, 2025, in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. / Credit: Daniel Ibañez/CNA

College of Cardinals Asks for Prayers ahead of May 7 Papal Conclave

Apr 30, 2025

The appeal came as the cardinals concluded their seventh general congregation — the daily meetings leading up to the start of the conclave on May 7. 

Cardinal Pietro Parolin (left) and other cardinals celebrate Mass on Day 3 of the Novendiales Masses for Pope Francis on April 28, 2025, in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. / Credit: Daniel Ibañez/CNA

Cardinals Hold Sixth General Congregation, Confirm Two Electors will not be at Conclave

Apr 29, 2025

Matteo Bruni, the director of the Holy See Press Office, said the names of the two cardinals would not be revealed during an afternoon press briefing.

Statue of St. Peter on St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. / Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA

May 7 Papal Conclave Date Finalized As Cardinals Prepare for Election

Apr 28, 2025

The Vatican announced Monday that the conclave to elect Pope Francis’ successor will begin on May 7, as the Church enters the final preparatory phase for choosing its 267th pope.

More than 128,000 Mourners Pay Respects to Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Basilica, Some Queuing for "about 5 hours"

Apr 24, 2025

Pope Francis passed away at 7:35 a.m. local time on Easter Monday, April 21, at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, as confirmed by the Holy See Press Office. The 88-year-old pontiff led the Catholic Church for a little more than 12 years. Follow here for live updates of the latest news and information on the papal transition:

Cardinals, bishops, and priests carrying palm branches gather for the Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square, April 13, 2025. / Credit: Bénédicte Cedergren/EWTN News

General Congregation of Cardinals Meeting Begins, Swear to Secrecy, Suspend beatifications, Choose Funeral Mass Date

Apr 23, 2025

At the first general congregation of cardinals in Rome on Tuesday, the estimated 60 cardinals in attendance chose the date of Pope Francis’ funeral.

Cardinals follow the ceremony during the ordinary public consistory for the creation of new cardinals at St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, Dec. 7, 2024. / Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA

What Pope Francis’ New Cardinals Reveal about Future Conclave: Analysis

Dec 9, 2024

While he has appointed 78% of electors, factors including limited gatherings and logistical challenges suggest the next conclave’s outcome remains unpredictable.

Cardinal Gianfranco Ghirlanda, SJ, takes possession of his titular church in Rome, the Church of the Gesù, on Dec. 8, 2022. | Credit: Daniel Ibanez/CNA

Cardinal Denies Involvement in Papal Election Reform, Calling Reports "a pure lie"

Nov 6, 2023

Reports said Cardinal Gianfranco Ghirlanda had been tasked by Pope Francis with drafting revisions to conclaves.

Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti with Pope Francis | Vatican Media

ANALYSIS: How to Interpret Pope Francis’ Choice of New Cardinals

Jul 11, 2023

With his ninth consistory in 10 years of his pontificate, Pope Francis will lock down his influence on the College of Cardinals for the next conclave, considering the overwhelming majority of cardinals will have been created by him.

Pope Francis holds an Ordinary Public Consistory in the Consistory Hall of the Apostolic Palace, May 3, 2021. Vatican Media.

Who Will Vote for a New Pope after Francis? A Look at the Cardinals by the Numbers

Aug 25, 2022

On Aug. 27, Pope Francis will create 20 new cardinals, bringing the total number in the college to 229. 

Cardinal George Pell at the annual Eucharistic procession at the Angelicum in Rome, May 13, 2021./ Daniel Ibáñez/CNA.

Cardinal George Pell Turns 80, Loses Right to Vote in Papal Conclave

Jun 8, 2021

Cardinal George Pell turned 80 years old on Tuesday, losing his eligibility to vote in a future papal conclave.