The solemn process of electing a new Pope officially commenced Wednesday afternoon as 133 Catholic Cardinals entered the Sistine Chapel, marking the beginning of the 2025 Papal Conclave.
Under the gaze of Michelangelo’s legendary frescoes, the Cardinals processed in a deeply symbolic ritual, chanting the “Litany of the Saints” and the ancient hymn “Veni Creator Spiritus,” invoking the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
This sacred procession began from the Pauline Chapel at around 3:45 p.m., with Cardinals filing in reverse order of precedence — a tradition that emphasizes humility and reverence.
According to a statement from the Vatican, the procession was led by a cross, followed by the choir and assistants to the Master of Ceremonies.
The Secretary of the Conclave came next, trailed by the designated Cardinal to deliver the opening meditation.
The cardinal-electors then followed: first the deacons, then priests, and finally bishops, as dictated by custom. The Master of Ceremonies concluded the procession before the doors of the chapel were sealed.
The Conclave follows the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, and his burial on April 26 at the historic Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica.
The world now watches as the Cardinals undertake the centuries-old duty of electing a new spiritual leader for the over 1.3 billion Catholics across the globe.
The decision on who will become the next Pope is expected to emerge from within the walls of the Sistine Chapel, where the Cardinals will vote in secrecy until a consensus is reached.