In the heart of Vatican City , amid ancient rituals and solemn prayers, one of the most sacred and secretive events in the Catholic Church takes place: the Papal Conclave . With the world watching, many are asking the pivotal question — "When will the Conclave begin?" Let’s explore the traditions, timelines, and spiritual depth behind this holy assembly. 🕯️ What is the Papal Conclave? The Conclave is the formal process used by the College of Cardinals to elect a new Pope . Derived from the Latin phrase cum clave , meaning "with a key", this term signifies that the cardinals are locked away — spiritually and physically — until a new pontiff is chosen. This tradition dates back to 1274 and serves both a spiritual and symbolic purpose: ensuring that the election is guided solely by prayer , divine inspiration , and not by external influence. ⌛ When Does the Conclave Begin? The exact start date of the Conclave depends on several factors: Death or resig...