VATICAN ET PAPE LEON XIV #church

From June 1st to 7th, 2026, Pope Leo XIV led an intense week. His audiences at the Vatican focused on youth, AI, and the environment. He then undertook an apostolic journey to Spain centered on charity and inclusion, marked by visits to social centers in Madrid and meetings with young people.

On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, a Mass Pro eligendo romano pontifice was celebrated at St. Peter's Basilica, which opens the conclave. The 133 cardinals will lock themselves in the Apostolic Palace today at 3:45 p.m. to leave after a pope is elected there.

Pope Francis has introduced 15 new nations into the Sistine Chapel. When Pope Benedict XVI bequeathed the See of Peter to Francis, fifteen states in the world had no cardinals.

The College of Cardinals that will elect the Pope is composed of 135 cardinals who have not yet reached the age of 80. However, two will not participate for health reasons.