VATICAN CITY - APRIL 18: Cardinals of the Catholic Church attend the election conclave in the Sistine Chapel on April 18, 2005 at the Vatican, Vatican City. The 115 Cardinals will elect a successor to Pope John Paul II during the Conclave in the Chapel, at which point symbolic white smoke rising from the chimney will announce to the world that they have reached a decision. (Photo by Arturo Mari - Vatican Pool/ Getty Images)
The Vatican has announced that cardinals will gather in a secret conclave next month to elect the next pope, following the death of Pope Francis. The closed-door meeting will begin on May 7 in the Sistine Chapel, with approximately 135 cardinals from around the world in attendance.
Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 on Easter Monday and was laid to rest on Saturday following a funeral attended by politicians, royalty, and thousands of mourners. His death marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Catholic Church, and the conclave will set in motion the process of choosing his successor.
The Vatican confirmed that no specific timeframe exists for the conclave but expects the process to be swift, as the last two conclaves in 2005 and 2013 each lasted only two days.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni explained that the conclave will begin with a solemn mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. Afterward, the cardinals eligible to vote will enter the Sistine Chapel for the secretive ballot. The cardinals must cut off all communication with the outside world once they enter until they choose a new pope.
The election process is rigorous, with only one round of voting on the first afternoon of the conclave. Afterward, voting will take place up to four times daily. A two-thirds majority is required to elect a new pope, and this process can take time.
Each cardinal will cast their vote on a simple card that reads: “I elect as Supreme Pontiff,” followed by the name of their chosen candidate. The election process remains highly secretive, and the world will be watching for the telltale sign of white or black smoke from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney. Black smoke signals that no decision has been reached, prompting additional rounds of voting. White smoke signals the election of a new pope.
If the conclave reaches its third day without a decision, the cardinals may pause for a day of prayer to reflect and seek divine guidance. This moment highlights the weight of the decision before the electors, as the next pope will lead the Catholic Church through challenging times.
On Saturday, Pope Francis’ funeral took place in St. Peter’s Square, where heads of state, government leaders, and monarchs gathered to honor the late pope. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, 91, delivered a homily reflecting on Pope Francis’ legacy.
After the funeral ceremony, a procession then carried Pope Francis’ coffin through the streets of Rome, with authorities estimating that 140,000 people lined the streets to pay their respects. The route passed by some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Altare della Patria. The pope’s final resting place is at the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica.
On Sunday, images emerged of Pope Francis’ tomb, featuring a single white rose resting on the stone that displays the name he held during his papacy, illuminated by a solitary spotlight beneath a crucifix.
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