The secret meeting is expected to draw 135 cardinals who will deliberate and vote to choose the next pontiff.
Conclave Set for 7 May to Elect New Pope Following Francis's Death
Conclave Set for 7 May to Elect New Pope Following Francis's Death
The Vatican announces the upcoming conclave to select the successor to Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday.
In a significant announcement, the Vatican disclosed that a conclave is scheduled to commence on 7 May for the election of the next pope, following the passing of Pope Francis at the age of 88. The conclave will be held in the Sistine Chapel, where an assembly of approximately 135 cardinals representing the global Catholic community will convene.
The conclave's proceedings will be shrouded in secrecy, commencing with a solemn mass at St. Peter's Basilica. Following this, the eligible cardinals will gather in the chapel to engage in a series of closed-door votes. While the timeframe for the election remains uncertain, historical context suggests that recent conclaves in 2005 and 2013 concluded within two days.
Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni confirmed that once the cardinals convene in the chapel, they will be cut off from external communication until a new pope is affirmed. The voting process is set to begin with a single round on the afternoon of the first day, followed by up to four votes daily until a candidate achieves a requisite two-thirds majority. In case no consensus is reached by the conclusion of the third day, the cardinals will pause for a day of prayer to reflect before resuming the process.
As the cardinals cast their votes on cards inscribed with the words, “I elect as Supreme Pontiff,” anticipation builds outside the chapel where observers await the critical signal from the smoke escaping the chimney. Black smoke signifies continued voting, while white smoke indicates the election of a new pope.
The announcement of the conclave comes on the heels of Pope Francis's funeral, attended by numerous dignitaries including heads of state and royalty. The solemn ceremony marked a moment of reflection on the Pope's legacy, with thousands of mourners paying their respects in St. Peter's Square. Following the funeral, images of his tomb were revealed, showing poignant tributes laid in honor of the late pontiff.
As the world watches closely, the upcoming conclave marks a pivotal moment in the Roman Catholic Church, set against the backdrop of an outpouring of homage for Pope Francis's remarkable contributions to the faith.
The conclave's proceedings will be shrouded in secrecy, commencing with a solemn mass at St. Peter's Basilica. Following this, the eligible cardinals will gather in the chapel to engage in a series of closed-door votes. While the timeframe for the election remains uncertain, historical context suggests that recent conclaves in 2005 and 2013 concluded within two days.
Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni confirmed that once the cardinals convene in the chapel, they will be cut off from external communication until a new pope is affirmed. The voting process is set to begin with a single round on the afternoon of the first day, followed by up to four votes daily until a candidate achieves a requisite two-thirds majority. In case no consensus is reached by the conclusion of the third day, the cardinals will pause for a day of prayer to reflect before resuming the process.
As the cardinals cast their votes on cards inscribed with the words, “I elect as Supreme Pontiff,” anticipation builds outside the chapel where observers await the critical signal from the smoke escaping the chimney. Black smoke signifies continued voting, while white smoke indicates the election of a new pope.
The announcement of the conclave comes on the heels of Pope Francis's funeral, attended by numerous dignitaries including heads of state and royalty. The solemn ceremony marked a moment of reflection on the Pope's legacy, with thousands of mourners paying their respects in St. Peter's Square. Following the funeral, images of his tomb were revealed, showing poignant tributes laid in honor of the late pontiff.
As the world watches closely, the upcoming conclave marks a pivotal moment in the Roman Catholic Church, set against the backdrop of an outpouring of homage for Pope Francis's remarkable contributions to the faith.
