The election of a new Pope is one of the most significant events for the Catholic Church and for millions of people around the world.

📲 Download the official Vatican app

In May 6, 2025, the Conclave — the secret process in which cardinals choose the new pontiff — attracts attention not only from the faithful, but also from journalists, scholars and curious onlookers. With today's technology, it is possible to follow every step of the event live, from anywhere in the world.

In this article, you will find a complete guide with the best apps, websites and TV channels to watch live coverage of the election of the new Pope. We will also cover how the Conclave works, historical curiosities, and what to expect from international coverage.

🕊️ What is the Conclave and how does it work?

The Conclave is the formal process held in the Vatican to elect a new Pope, usually after the death or resignation of the previous Pope. It brings together cardinals from around the world who isolate themselves in the Sistine Chapel and vote in secret. Up to four votes are held per day until a candidate receives two-thirds of the votes.

The most symbolic moment of the election is the white smoke coming out of the chimney of the Sistine Chapel — a sign that the new Pope has been chosen. After this, the cardinal protodeacon appears on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica and announces: “We Have Dad”.

📱 Best apps to follow the Conclave live

1. Vatican News (Official App)

The official Vatican app offers the most accurate and direct coverage, with live broadcasts, real-time bulletins and translations in several languages.

2. EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network)

US-based global Catholic network. Broadcasts the Conclave with expert commentary and spiritual focus.

3. YouTube – Vatican Media

The Vatican's official YouTube channel. It shows live footage from the Sistine Chapel, speeches, masses and interviews with cardinals.

4. TV and streaming platforms

Several global broadcasters also broadcast the Conclave:

  • RAI 1 It is RAI News (Italy)

  • TVE It is Antenna 3 (Spain)

  • France 24 (France)

  • BBC It is Sky News (United Kingdom)

  • CNN It is ABC News Live (USA)

  • Globe It is Globoplay (Brazil)

  • Deutsche Welle It is ZDF (Germany)

🌍 Channels and apps by region

🇧🇷 Brazil

  • Globoplay: live clips and newspaper coverage

  • TV Aparecida It is New Song: with religious bias and Catholic comments

  • CNN Brazil: translated international coverage

🇺🇸 U.S

  • EWTN, CNN Go, Fox Now, ABC Live

  • Pay TV apps like SlingTV, Hulu Live

🇮🇹 Italy

  • RAI 1, Sky TG24, TV2000

  • Broad journalistic and religious coverage

🇫🇷 France

  • France 24, BFMTV, TV5World

  • Apps and YouTube with live broadcasts

🇪🇸 Spain

  • RTVE Play, Antenna 3, Telecinco

  • Many channels have special coverage with theologians

Check the worldwide broadcast times

City Local Mass Schedule (May 11, 2025 – Sunday)
Brasilia (Brazil) 07:00
Lisbon (Portugal) 11:00
London (United Kingdom) 11:00
Rome (Italy) 12:00
New York (USA) 06:00
Los Angeles (USA) 03:00
Buenos Aires (Argentina) 07:00
Mexico City (Mexico) 04:00
Tokyo (Japan) 19:00
Sydney (Australia) 20:00
Luanda (Angola) 11:00
Maputo (Mozambique) 12:00
Paris (France) 12:00
Berlin (Germany) 12:00
Warsaw (Poland) 12:00
Bucharest (Romania) 13:00

📊 Interesting facts about the papal election

  • 133 cardinals with voting rights participate in the 2025 Conclave

  • Since 1903, all conclaves have taken place in the Sistine Chapel.

  • White smoke is generated with chemicals for greater visibility

  • The elected Pope chooses his name immediately after the election

❓FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

📌 Can I watch everything on my cell phone?

Yes, all apps have versions for Android and iOS, with live coverage and subtitles.

📌 Are the apps paid?

Most are free, such as Vatican News and EWTN. Some TV platforms may require a login or subscription.

📌 What languages are broadcast in?

Portuguese, English, Spanish, French, Italian and others, with simultaneous translation or subtitles.

📌 When will the Pope be announced?

Once a candidate has obtained the necessary votes and accepted, white smoke will appear and the announcement will be made in St. Peter's Square.

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