Cardinals Begin Conclave With an Oath

Vatican City, 7 May 2025 – In accordance with the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis promulgated by Pope St. John Paul II in 1996, the College of Cardinals gathered today within the Sistine Chapel to commence the solemn and sacred process of the papal conclave.

Following the ancient tradition and in a spirit of deep prayer and unity, the cardinals began by taking the prescribed oath, pledging to observe the norms governing the election of the Roman Pontiff. The most senior cardinal present recited the oath in Latin, with the other 132 cardinal electors joining in unison. They solemnly vowed to faithfully uphold the mission entrusted to the Successor of St. Peter and to protect the spiritual and temporal freedom of the Holy See.

The oath includes a strict commitment to maintain the secrecy of the proceedings, including the deliberations and the ballots cast. In keeping with this, all personal notes are to be destroyed alongside the ballots, preserving the integrity and confidentiality of the election.

Each cardinal then individually approaches the Holy Scriptures, places his hand upon them, and declares: "Et ego, [Name], promitto, voveo ac iuro. Sic me Deus adiuvet et haec Sancta Dei Evangelia, quae manu mea tango." (“And I, [Name], do so promise, vow, and swear. So help me God and these Holy Gospels which I touch with my hand.”)

After the final oath is taken, the Master of Papal Liturgical Celebrations, Monsignor Diego Ravelli, proclaims the words “Extra omnes!” – meaning “Everyone out!” – marking the beginning of the sacred seclusion of the conclave.

This deeply spiritual moment reflects the Church's profound trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit, as the cardinals prepare to discern who among them is called to serve as the next Bishop of Rome.

By Catholic Connect Reporter