In a momentous occasion for the Catholic Church, the Conclave to elect the successor of Pope Francis officially commenced on May 7, 2025, in Vatican City. A total of 133 cardinal electors gathered in the Sistine Chapel, where they will remain until a new Pope is chosen. As tradition dictates, the doors to the chapel were sealed with the pronouncement of 'extra omnes,' marking the start of the voting process.
The Conclave is shrouded in secrecy; no cameras or audio devices are allowed inside the chapel, ensuring that the discussions and decisions made by the cardinals remain confidential. Nevertheless, the event is being closely followed around the world, with major networks providing extensive coverage from outside the chapel. This includes live updates and special programming dedicated to the election, as onlookers await the crucial smoke signals that indicate the outcome of the votes.
The first smoke signal, known as 'fumata,' is anticipated to be released no earlier than 7 PM local time on May 7. Subsequent signals will follow the next day, around 10:30 AM and after noon, and then again in the afternoon at approximately 5:30 PM and after 7 PM. These signals—black smoke for no election and white smoke for a successful vote—serve as the only public indicators of the voting progress.
Rai 1, one of Italy's leading television channels, has planned a comprehensive broadcasting schedule to cover the Conclave. The channel will begin its live coverage at 4 PM with the Procession of the Cardinals and the 'Extra Omnes' rite, which signifies the beginning of the voting. Following this, at 8 PM, the channel will air its flagship news program, Tg1, which will include updates on the Conclave, followed by the evening program 'Cinque Minuti' hosted by Bruno Vespa.
In the event of a white smoke signal, Rai 1 will interrupt its regular programming to broadcast the announcement of 'Habemus Papam' live from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. This moment is historically significant as it marks the formal introduction of the new Pope to the world.
Other networks are also gearing up to provide in-depth coverage of the Conclave. Mediaset, for instance, will offer updates during its news broadcasts, while La7 plans to run special analyses and reports throughout the day. Additionally, Tv2000 has arranged a series of programs dedicated to the event, including the Messa Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice, which will be held at 10 AM from St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by the entrance of the cardinal electors into the Sistine Chapel at 4:30 PM.
Tv2000 will also air four editions of 'Speciale Conclave' throughout the day, featuring expert commentary and live connections from Vatican City. The first of these specials will begin at 9:10 AM, with subsequent broadcasts at 12:20 PM, 3:15 PM, and 7:15 PM.
As anticipation builds, the cameras are poised to capture every moment of this historical event. The first day of the Conclave promises to be filled with solemnity and significance, as the cardinals embark on the critical task of selecting the next leader of the Catholic Church.
The atmosphere in Vatican City is electric, with thousands of spectators gathered outside St. Peter’s Basilica, awaiting news of the election. The streets are lined with media, and the world’s attention is fixed on the tiny chapel where the future of the papacy will be decided.
While the cardinals remain cloistered, discussions within the chapel will likely focus on the pressing issues facing the Church today, including its stance on social justice, climate change, and the ongoing challenges of maintaining relevance in a rapidly changing world. The new Pope will inherit a Church that is both revered and criticized, and the direction he chooses to take will undoubtedly have lasting implications.
As the day unfolds, viewers around the globe will be glued to their screens, eager for updates and insights into the Conclave’s proceedings. With the world watching, the cardinal electors carry the weight of the Church’s future on their shoulders, hoping to choose a leader who can guide the faithful through the complexities of modern life.
The Conclave is not only a religious event but also a significant moment in global affairs, as the Catholic Church plays a vital role in discussions around morality, ethics, and humanitarian issues. The election of a new Pope could signal a shift in these discussions, depending on the beliefs and priorities of the chosen leader.
In the coming days, as the Conclave continues, the world will await the moment when the smoke signals announce the election of a new Pope. Until then, the cardinals will deliberate in silence, guided by their faith and the traditions of the Church.
