Cardinals from around the globe will convene to elect the new pope following the passing of Pope Francis, marking a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church.
Conclave to Elect Successor to Pope Francis Set for 7 May
Conclave to Elect Successor to Pope Francis Set for 7 May
The Vatican confirms the secretive conclave will start next month, as the world reflects on the legacy of Pope Francis.
The cardinals will gather in the iconic Sistine Chapel on May 7 to participate in the conclave, as confirmed by Vatican officials. This significant assembly comes in the wake of Pope Francis’s death at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, following a funeral attended by prominent world leaders and thousands of mourners in St Peter's Square.
Approximately 135 cardinals are expected to take part in this private election process, which will unfold under strict secrecy. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni has stated that a solemn mass will occur at St Peter's Basilica prior to the cardinals entering the Sistine Chapel for the closed-ballot voting. Throughout the conclave, participants will refrain from any external communication until a new pope is officially elected.
While there’s no fixed timeline for the conclave, prior gatherings in 2005 and 2013 reached a decision within just two days. The initial voting will occur on the afternoon of the first day, with up to four ballots held daily afterward. A two-thirds majority is necessary to confirm a new pope, a process that can be unpredictable. If no pope is elected after three days, the cardinals may take a day to engage in prayer.
As this sacred event unfolds, the world will be eagerly attentive to the smoke signals from the chapel chimney. Black smoke will indicate additional rounds of voting, while white smoke will announce the election of a new pope.
Pope Francis's funeral, which drew mixed reactions from leaders and citizens alike, was marked by hymns resonating from speakers amid the ambiance of Rome. Post-ceremony, his coffin was solemnly processed through the streets, capturing the attention of about 140,000 attendees gazing upon his final journey. Images revealing a single white rose adorning his tomb have stirred reflection on the late pope's impactful legacy during his tenure.
Approximately 135 cardinals are expected to take part in this private election process, which will unfold under strict secrecy. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni has stated that a solemn mass will occur at St Peter's Basilica prior to the cardinals entering the Sistine Chapel for the closed-ballot voting. Throughout the conclave, participants will refrain from any external communication until a new pope is officially elected.
While there’s no fixed timeline for the conclave, prior gatherings in 2005 and 2013 reached a decision within just two days. The initial voting will occur on the afternoon of the first day, with up to four ballots held daily afterward. A two-thirds majority is necessary to confirm a new pope, a process that can be unpredictable. If no pope is elected after three days, the cardinals may take a day to engage in prayer.
As this sacred event unfolds, the world will be eagerly attentive to the smoke signals from the chapel chimney. Black smoke will indicate additional rounds of voting, while white smoke will announce the election of a new pope.
Pope Francis's funeral, which drew mixed reactions from leaders and citizens alike, was marked by hymns resonating from speakers amid the ambiance of Rome. Post-ceremony, his coffin was solemnly processed through the streets, capturing the attention of about 140,000 attendees gazing upon his final journey. Images revealing a single white rose adorning his tomb have stirred reflection on the late pope's impactful legacy during his tenure.
