In the Vatican, in anticipation of the first vote of the conclave, workers of all specialties sign a confidentiality agreement and swear on the gospel not to reveal anything to anyone about the highly secret process of electing the New Pope.
The red curtains have already been placed on the balcony where the new Pope will appear for the first time and as preparations for the conclave reach their peak, the cardinals are discussing the future of the Holy See incessantly.
At the same time, the Vatican released images of the destruction of the papal seal and the Fisherman’s ring that belonged to Pope Francis.
The first voting
The director of the Vatican press office, Matteo Bruni, confirmed that tomorrow Wednesday the first smoke of the Conclave will be “not before 7 pm”. From Thursday, there will be two morning votes (around 10:30 and 12:00 a.m.; at the end of the second, the ballots are burned) and two afternoon votes (around 5:30 and 7:00 p.m.; at the end, the ballots are burned).
The newspaper La Repubblica reports: “However, if the Pope is elected in the by-elections, there will obviously be no more waiting and the stove will be lit early. So, there could also be some “early” white smoke: around 10:30 a.m. or 5:30 p.m.”
Officials and staff involved in the upcoming Conclave have taken an oath of secrecy.
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 6, 2025
The oath, administered by Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, was taken by all individuals—both clergy and laity— who will be present for the conclave.
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