Cardinals have begun arriving in Rome to prepare for the election of a new Pope.
The Conclave, an ancient and meticulously orchestrated ritual to elect a new pontiff, will commence on Wednesday, May 7, as they prepare to elect a new leader.
A man kisses the hand of Cardinal Wiliam Seng Chye Goh as he arrives for a College of Cardinals’ meeting at the Vatican
They have begun moving into the Vatican accommodation where they will reside during the conclave.
The group typically stays at the Vatican’s Santa Marta guesthouse, which offers en-suite bathrooms and hotel-style room service. However, there are insufficient rooms to accommodate everyone.
Cardinal Gianfranco Ghirlanda departs a general congregation meeting ahead of the conclave to elect the next pope
On Monday afternoon, Vatican News reported that 170 Cardinals, including 132 with the right to vote, attended the 11th General Congregation, a significant pre-conclave meeting.
(L-R) Cardinals Luis Jose Rueda Aparicio and Ruben Salazar Gomez arrive at the Vatican for the College of Cardinals’ meeting
According to Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni, the key themes discussed included the faith of migrants, ethnocentrism, ongoing conflicts in Asia and Africa, and the Church’s future in a divided world. Bruni further noted that the cardinals outlined the figure of a pastoral Pope, emphasizing dialogue and relationship-building.
Cardinals in Saint Peter’s Square for the meeting of the General Congregation of Cardinals, in Vatican City, 05 May 2025
Cardinal Anthony Poola passes a snacks truck as he departs from a general congregation meeting ahead of the conclave to elect the next pope
Cardinal Filepe Neri Antonio Sebastiano do Rosario Ferrao (L) is member of the meeting of the General Congregation of Cardinals
Faithful walk with a cross on Via della Conciliazione street near the Vatican, a day prior to the start of the conclave in Rome on May 6, 2025
Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpaleke arrives for the meeting of the General Congregation of Cardinals
Cardinal Fernando Garib reacts, ahead of the conclave to elect the next pope, as seen from Rome, Italy, May 6, 2025
