Conclave to Select New Pope Scheduled for 7 May Following Pope Francis’ Passing
Vatican confirms the start of a conclave with 135 cardinals to elect the next pontiff after the recent funeral of Pope Francis.
The Vatican has announced that a conclave to elect a new pope will commence on May 7, gathering 135 cardinals from around the globe. This follows the death of Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, and was honored in a grand funeral on Saturday. The conclave will take place within the historic Sistine Chapel, emphasizing the secretive nature of this religious procedure. Cardinal participants will engage in a solemn mass at St Peter’s Basilica prior to entering the chapel, where they will be sealed off from the outside world while conducting the votes. The process may last several days as cardinals strive to secure a two-thirds majority for the new pope, with voting regularly occurring until a decision is reached. The event has already drawn significant interest worldwide, especially as the public awaits the pivotal moment signaled by the color of smoke emerging from the chapel chimney. Additionally, the recent funeral of Pope Francis saw a show of support from leaders and thousands of mourners, celebrating his legacy as they lined the streets of Rome to pay their final respects.
Vatican confirms the start of a conclave with 135 cardinals to elect the next pontiff after the recent funeral of Pope Francis.
The Vatican has announced that a conclave to elect a new pope will commence on May 7, gathering 135 cardinals from around the globe. This follows the death of Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, and was honored in a grand funeral on Saturday. The conclave will take place within the historic Sistine Chapel, emphasizing the secretive nature of this religious procedure. Cardinal participants will engage in a solemn mass at St Peter’s Basilica prior to entering the chapel, where they will be sealed off from the outside world while conducting the votes. The process may last several days as cardinals strive to secure a two-thirds majority for the new pope, with voting regularly occurring until a decision is reached. The event has already drawn significant interest worldwide, especially as the public awaits the pivotal moment signaled by the color of smoke emerging from the chapel chimney. Additionally, the recent funeral of Pope Francis saw a show of support from leaders and thousands of mourners, celebrating his legacy as they lined the streets of Rome to pay their final respects.
