As the world turns its eyes to Vatican City, Vatican Media has launched comprehensive coverage of the papal conclave that begins today, May 7, to elect the 267th Roman Pontiff.
The operation includes real-time video, radio, and photo coverage across multiple platforms and languages to ensure worldwide access to the historic process.
The day began with the “Missa pro eligendo Romano Pontifice” at 10:00 AM inside St. Peter’s Basilica, the traditional Mass to pray for guidance in choosing a new pope. The liturgy is being broadcast in 11 languages including Italian, English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Brazilian Portuguese, German, Polish, Chinese, Arabic, and Vietnamese, along with Spanish Sign Language. For listeners across Africa, Vatican Radio is also airing the Mass via shortwave in English, French, and Portuguese.
Later in the afternoon, at 4:30 PM, the cardinal electors will formally enter the conclave in the Sistine Chapel, taking their oath of secrecy before the doors are closed in the traditional “Extra omnes” moment. This ceremony will also be covered live, including in Sign Language for English, Spanish, and Italian audiences. From that moment on, the voting begins behind closed doors.
Vatican News and Vatican Radio will offer daily live coverage, including updates on the results of each voting session. These updates are based on the smoke signals rising from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel. Black smoke means no decision has been made, while white smoke signals that a new pope has been elected. These broadcasts will initially be offered in seven languages, and will expand to 12—including Arabic and Vietnamese—once white smoke appears, along with Sign Language in three additional languages.
If a new pope is chosen, the Vatican’s media coverage will immediately pivot to cover the announcement of “Habemus Papam” from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where the world will meet the new spiritual leader of over 1.3 billion Catholics.
This conclave marks one of the most widely accessible in history, with digital, satellite, and radio efforts aimed at ensuring that no region or community is left behind as the Church prepares to welcome its next pope.
