A historic conclave, involving 135 cardinals, will commence on 7 May in the Sistine Chapel to choose the next pope after the passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday.
Conclave Set for 7 May to Select New Pope After Pope Francis' Passing
Conclave Set for 7 May to Select New Pope After Pope Francis' Passing
Vatican announces conclave dates for the election of the next pontiff following the death of Pope Francis.
Cardinals will convene in a secret conclave on 7 May, as announced by the Vatican, to elect a new pope following the death of Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 on Easter Monday. The gathering in the Sistine Chapel will include around 135 cardinals from around the globe and follows a grand funeral service held on Saturday.
While no specific timeline has been set for the election of the new pope, previous conclaves in 2005 and 2013 concluded within two days. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni indicated that a solemn mass will precede the conclave at St. Peter's Basilica, after which the cardinals will retreat into the Sistine Chapel to begin the voting process.
During this time, communication with the outside world will be strictly prohibited. The election process commences with a single round of voting on the first afternoon, followed by up to four votes each day until a candidate achieves a two-thirds majority, which may extend the duration of the conclave.
As part of the voting tradition, cardinals inscribe their choice on a card that reads "I elect as Supreme Pontiff," followed by the chosen name. If a decision is not reached by the third day, the cardinals may take a day off for prayer.
The eyes of the world will be fixed on the chimney of the Sistine Chapel; black smoke signifies that voting will continue, while white smoke indicates a new pope has been elected.
The funeral of Pope Francis, attended by international leaders and dignitaries, witnessed a solemn farewell, highlighted by a moving homily from 91-year-old Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re. Following the ceremony, an estimated 140,000 people gathered in Rome to witness the Pope's coffin being carried to its final resting place at Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, as it passed iconic landmarks and received heartfelt farewells from the crowd. Images of the tomb with a solitary white rose have since emerged, symbolizing the legacy of the beloved pontiff.
