The 133 Catholic Cardinals have entered into the Sistine Chapel to kick off the Conclave for electing a new Pope.
Reports say the 133 Cardinals entered the Sistine Chapel under the supervision of Michelangelo’s frescoes.
According to The Vatican, the Cardinals entered the chapel in a reverse order changing the “Litany of the Saints” and then the hymn “Veni Creator Spiritus,” which is invoking the Holy Spirit to descend upon them.
The Vatican said, “On Wednesday afternoon, under the gaze of Michelangelo’s frescoes, the 133 cardinals taking part in the 2025 conclave entered the Sistine Chapel. The ancient ritual to elect the Pope has officially begun.
“At around 3:45pm the cardinal-electors gathered in the Pauline Chapel and, in reverse order of precedence, processed into the Sistine Chapel chanting the “Litany of the Saints” and then the hymn “Veni Creator Spiritus,” invoking the Holy Spirit to descend upon them.
“Leading the procession was a cross, followed by the choir, and then the priest assistants to the Master of Ceremonies. Behind them came the Secretary of the Conclave, and then the cardinal tasked with delivering the opening meditation after the chapel is sealed.
“The cardinals followed in line, and finally, the Master of Ceremonies. Among the cardinal electors, tradition dictated the order: first the cardinal deacons, then priests, then bishops.”
At the end of the Conclave the Cardinals-elector will decide the next Pope.
This process began following the death of Pope Francis who died on April 21 and burial on April 26 at Santa Maria Maggiore basilica.
