NewsVatican ceremony sets stage for 2025 papal conclave

Vatican ceremony sets stage for 2025 papal conclave

On Monday, May 5, 2025, at the Pauline Chapel in the Vatican, the staff involved in organizing the conclave will take a solemn oath. The ceremony, in accordance with the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, will begin at 11:30 AM Eastern Time and will be a key step in preparing for the election of a new pope.

Mandatory silence. Who and what will swear before the conclave?
Mandatory silence. Who and what will swear before the conclave?
Images source: © Licensor | Marek Maliszewski/REPORTER
Dorota Kuźnik

What do you need to know?

  • On May 5, 2025, at 11:30 AM Eastern Time, at the Pauline Chapel in the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican, there will be a solemn oath taken by officials and staff involved in organizing the upcoming conclave.
  • This ceremony is a crucial stage in preparing for the election of a new pope, ensuring adherence to the rules specified in the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis.

Who will participate?

The event will be attended by both clergy and laypeople approved by the cardinal camerlengo and three assisting cardinals. Among them will be:

  • Archbishop Ilson de Jesus Montanari, secretary of the College of Cardinals,
  • Archbishop Diego Ravelli, master of papal ceremonies,
  • monks responsible for hearing confessions in various languages,
  • medical and technical staff, as well as cafeteria, elevator, and floral service personnel,
  • representatives of the Swiss Guard and the security services of the Vatican City State.

Ceremony proceedings

At 11:00 AM Eastern Time, all participants will gather in the Pauline Chapel, where Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, in the presence of two apostolic protonotaries, will explain the significance of the oath.

Then, each participant will individually take an oath and sign its form, committing to confidentiality and diligent fulfilment of duties during the conclave.

The oath ensures that all persons involved in the conclave process will act according to the Church’s rules, ensuring its proper conduct.

This event highlights the weight of responsibility entrusted to both clergy and laypeople in one of the most important moments in the life of the Catholic Church.

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