when will the cardinals elect a new pope

The cardinals began the conclave to elect a new pope on May 7, 2025. This secretive meeting took place inside the Sistine Chapel, involving approximately 135 eligible cardinal electors from around the world. They started with a solemn mass at St. Peter's Basilica followed by the oath and commencement of voting in the Sistine Chapel on the afternoon of the same day. The voting rounds typically can occur up to four times a day, and the cardinals continue until a two-thirds majority elects the new pope. The conclave usually lasts a few days, but if no candidate achieves the required majority, the voting may extend with breaks for prayer. Historically, conclaves have lasted about two days on average. In the 2025 conclave, the election process began 16 days after Pope Francis died on April 21, 2025. The cardinals were expected to remain in the conclave without communication outside until a new pope was chosen. The election ended on May 8, 2025, with Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost elected as the new pope, taking the name Leo XIV.