The Conclave will begin next Wednesday, May 7, in the Sistine Chapel, where the cardinal electors will meet to elect the new Pontiff. The decision on the date was made this morning during the Fifth General Congregation at the Vatican, in which the cardinals present in Rome participated.

According to protocol, the ceremony will begin with the solemn proclamation “Extra omnes,” which marks the closing of access to the Sistine Chapel and the beginning of voting. The electors are expected to celebrate a votive Mass “Pro eligendo Romano Pontifice” beforehand, asking for the guidance of the Holy Spirit for this important mission.