On Wednesday morning, May 7th, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, presided over the Mass for the Election of the Roman Pontiff at Saint Peter’s Basilica.
In his homily, he called for unity in faith and prayer as the Cardinals prepare to enter the Conclave to elect the new Pope.
The Mass was attended by over five thousand faithful, who prayed for the 133 Cardinal electors tasked with choosing the successor to Pope Francis.
At 3:45 p.m., the Cardinals were transported from Casa Santa Marta to the Apostolic Palace in choir dress, marking their solemn entrance into the Conclave held in the Sistine Chapel.
Thirty minutes from now, they will begin the voting process.
This Conclave is notable for including 133 Cardinal electors, surpassing the traditional limit of 120.
While not unprecedented, this exceeds the guideline set by the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, promulgated in 1996, which allows for such exceptions at the discretion of the Pope.
By Vatican
7th May 2025
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