Vatican Reveals Key Details of Holy Mass and Papal Conclave to be Held on May 7

VATICAN CITY, April 30, 2025: The College of Cardinals will be participating in a Holy Mass on May 7, 2025, and will later be entering the Conclave to elect the next Roman Pontiff, according to separate notifications issued by the Vatican's Office of Liturgical Celebrations on April 29, 2025.

The Holy Mass Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice will take place at 10:00 a.m. in St. Peter’s Basilica and will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals. Several members of the Pontifical Chapel will also be present for the celebration.

Later in the day, at 4:30 p.m., the cardinal electors will formally enter the Conclave after taking the prescribed oath in accordance with the Ordo Rituum Conclavis. They will assemble in the Pauline Chapel by 4:15 p.m. From there, they will be taking the oath, accompanied by the singing of the Veni Creator hymn, before proceeding to the Sistine Chapel.

Among those participating in the entry procession are the cardinal designated to deliver the meditation during the Conclave, the Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations, two members of the College of Pontifical Pronotaries, two members of the College of Prelate Auditors of the Roman Rota, the Pontifical Masters of Ceremonies, and the secretary of the cardinal presiding over the Conclave. Additionally, members of the Pontifical Sistine Chapel Choir will be present.

The following individuals will be present in the Sistine Chapel at 4:00 p.m. as well: the Substitute for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State, the Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations of the Secretariat of State, the Regent of the Pontifical Household, the religious attendants of the Pontifical Sacristy, the priests responsible for confessions, and the Colonel of the Pontifical Swiss Guard.

Also in attendance will be the staff from the Office of Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff, the Pontifical Swiss Guard Corps, the Directorate of Health and Hygiene, the Floreria, and the Dicastery for Communication.

By Catholic Connect Reporter

Image Source: Vatican News