On the morning of the start of the conclave, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re presided over the Mass for the Election of the Roman Pontiff took place with the Cardinals and over five thousand faithful in attendance in St. Peter's Basilica. Cardinal Re explained that at this celebration we invoke the help of the Holy Spirit, asking for "his light and strength so that the Pope elected may be he whom the Church and humanity need at this difficult, complex, and troubled turning point in history." https

Officials and staff involved in the upcoming Conclave have taken an oath of secrecy. The oath, administered by Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, was taken by all individuals—both clergy and laity— who will be present for the conclave. This group includes the Secretary of the College of Cardinals, the Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations, seven papal masters of ceremonies, two Augustinian religious assigned to the Papal Sacristy, religious personnel of va