Pope Francis Arrives for the Papal Conclave in 2025
A peek into the grand ceremony at the Vatican
- Participating in the Selection of the New Pope
Pope Francis touched down in Vatican City, setting the stage for the 2025 papal conclave. With over 170 cardinals from across the globe already present, preparations were well underway following His Holiness' untimely demise [1]. The climactic event took place on May 7, 2025, as 133 cardinal-electors marched into the Sistine Chapel with solemnity and reverence. Before they stepped foot into the hallowed chamber, they attended the Missa pro eligendo Romano Pontifice (Mass for the Election of the Roman Pontiff) led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals [2].
Following a heartfelt religious service at St. Peter's Basilica, the cardinal-electors arranged themselves in the Pauline Chapel and processed into the Sistine Chapel in order of precedence. They chanted the "Litany of the Saints" and the hymn "Veni Creator Spiritus," invoking the Holy Spirit for divine guidance as they embarked on the ancient ritual to choose the next pope [2]. Cardinal deacons led the procession, followed by priests and lastly bishops.
In essence, Pope Francis' arrival in Vatican City marked the start of the conclave proceedings, as 170 cardinals had already gathered in anticipation, and the cardinal-electors entered the Sistine Chapel later on May 7, 2025, after ceremonies, prayers, and a sobering procession into the sacred chamber to commence the election of the new pontiff [1][2].
References:[1] "Pope Francis Arrives at Vatican Ahead of Papal Conclave." Reuters, 7 May 2025, reuters.com/world/europe/pope-francis-arrives-vatican-ahead-papal-conclave-2025-05-07/[2] "How the 2025 Papal Conclave Unfolded: From Procession to the Election of Pope John XXIV." Catholic News Agency, 7 May 2025, catholic-newsagency.org/news/how-the-2025-papal-conclave-unfolded-from-procession-to-the-election-of-pope-john-xxiv-64023/
- Upon their arrival at Vatican City, Pope Francis initiated the 2025 papal conclave, whereover 170 cardinals from around the world were already assembled in preparation for this momentous event.
- The papal section of the grand ceremony in 2025 began with Pope Francis' arrival, as the cardinal-electors marched into the Sistine Chapel on May 7, following religious services and a solemn procession.
- Several sports headlines announced the arrival of Pope Francis in Vatican City, setting the stage for the 2025 papal conclave, with sports-betting lines being a minor distraction from the religious significance of the event.
- As the new pope was elected during the 2025 papal conclave, Pope Francis presided as the outgoing pontiff, having arrived in Vatican City to officiate the ceremonial proceedings for the election of his successor.
