Sistine Chapel Prepares for the Election of New Pope

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Holy See Press Office released images and videos of the Sistine Chapel over the weekend in preparation for the election conclave of a new pope, which will begin on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

As reported by Vatican News, Vatican firemen were seen on the roof of the Sistine Chapel on Friday, installing a chimney. This chimney will emit black smoke if at least 89 cardinals have not agreed on the next Pope.

White smoke is expected to indicate that the 133 cardinal electors have decided on the person who will lead the Catholic Church in the future.

The cardinal electors will begin the election process on May 7 at St. Peter's Basilica at 10:00 AM with a pre-conclave Mass for the Election of the Roman Pontiff. They will pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in choosing the new Pope.

At 4:30 PM on the same day, the 133 cardinal electors will gather at the Pauline Chapel to pray the Litany of the Saints before processing to the nearby Sistine Chapel.

Following the procession, the cardinals will take an oath to faithfully fulfill the papal ministry as the Shepherd of the Universal Church, if chosen.

This oath also binds the selected cardinals to keep all details regarding the election of the new Pope confidential, while pledging to reject any outside influence on the election.

The Papal Liturgical Ceremonies then announce 'extra omnes', ordering everyone not involved in the conclave to leave the Sistine Chapel.

Subsequently, Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, Preacher to the Papal Household Emeritus, will deliver the second meditation to the cardinal electors, in the presence of the Papal Liturgical Ceremonies.

Afterwards, both the Cardinals who are 90 years old and the Papal Liturgical Ceremonies leave the Sistine Chapel, and the voting begins.

The first ballot will take place on Wednesday, May 7, in the evening. Over the following days, the cardinal electors will cast their votes four times a day, twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon.

All the ballots are burned afterwards, and smoke will rise from the chimney, which is perhaps the most famous, to announce to the world whether a new Pope has been elected.

The election of the new Pope occurs over a week after Pope Francis passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, Vatican.

At 09:45, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, announced the passing of 88-year-old Pope Francis from Casa Santa Marta.

"Dear brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the passing of our Holy Father, Francis. At 7:35 AM this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the Father's home. His entire life was dedicated to serving the Lord and His Church," said Cardinal Farrell as reported on the Vatican site, Monday, April 21, 2025.

The original named Pope Jorge Mario Bergoglio passed away after returning from the hospital. He was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on Friday, February 14, 2025, after suffering from bronchitis for several days.

Pope Francis' clinical condition gradually worsened. Doctors diagnosed him with double pneumonia on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. After 38 days in the hospital, the late Pope returned to his residence in the Vatican at Casa Santa Marta for recovery.

According to CBS News, Pope Francis' funeral took place in the Vatican at 10:00 local time or 15:00 Indonesia Western Time. Around 250,000 people gathered in St. Peter's Square.

Approximately 150,000 other people lined the 6-kilometer route from the Vatican City through Rome to his final resting place.
There were light applause and some people were crying while waving hands towards the hearse. Many raised their mobile phones, followed by silence.

During his lifetime, Pope Francis was a figure who provided boundless example for the Catholic community, as well as all humanity.

Pope Francis was known for his advocacy and support for peace, including the war in Gaza.

Savero Aristia Wienanto contributed to this article.

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