The world awaits the historic conclave that follows the passing of Pope Francis, promising a fresh chapter for the Catholic Church.
**Papal Conclave Set to Commence on 7 May Following Pope Francis' Death**
**Papal Conclave Set to Commence on 7 May Following Pope Francis' Death**
Vatican confirms a closed-door assembly of 135 cardinals to elect new pope.
The Vatican has announced that a conclave of cardinals is scheduled to convene in the Sistine Chapel on 7 May. This significant event follows the recent death of Pope Francis at the age of 88 on Easter Monday; his funeral was conducted the previous Saturday. Approximately 135 cardinals from around the globe will participate in the highly secretive electoral process to choose the next leader of the Catholic Church.
Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni mentioned that the cardinals would participate in a solemn mass at St. Peter's Basilica before gathering in the Sistine Chapel to conduct the election by secret ballot. Upon entering, the cardinals will not be permitted any communication with the outside world until a new pope has been selected. While the first day allows only one round of voting, subsequent days may see as many as four votes each day. A two-thirds majority is required for a candidate to be chosen, potentially lengthening the process.
If a decision has not been reached by the conclusion of the third day, the cardinals may take a day for prayer. The eyes of the world will also be trained on the chapel's chimney: black smoke will indicate further voting, while white smoke will announce the election of a new pope.
Pope Francis' funeral attracted a vast gathering of leaders, dignitaries, and mourners alike, as the ceremony took place amidst hymns and echoing helicopter sounds. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, at 91, delivered a moving homily honoring the late pope's legacy. A report from authorities noted that around 140,000 individuals lined the streets of Rome to witness the procession transporting the pope's coffin to Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, where historical landmarks served as a backdrop to this poignant farewell.
Visuals released afterward captured Pope Francis' tomb adorned with a solitary white rose beneath a crucifix, symbolizing his enduring presence in the church.
Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni mentioned that the cardinals would participate in a solemn mass at St. Peter's Basilica before gathering in the Sistine Chapel to conduct the election by secret ballot. Upon entering, the cardinals will not be permitted any communication with the outside world until a new pope has been selected. While the first day allows only one round of voting, subsequent days may see as many as four votes each day. A two-thirds majority is required for a candidate to be chosen, potentially lengthening the process.
If a decision has not been reached by the conclusion of the third day, the cardinals may take a day for prayer. The eyes of the world will also be trained on the chapel's chimney: black smoke will indicate further voting, while white smoke will announce the election of a new pope.
Pope Francis' funeral attracted a vast gathering of leaders, dignitaries, and mourners alike, as the ceremony took place amidst hymns and echoing helicopter sounds. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, at 91, delivered a moving homily honoring the late pope's legacy. A report from authorities noted that around 140,000 individuals lined the streets of Rome to witness the procession transporting the pope's coffin to Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, where historical landmarks served as a backdrop to this poignant farewell.
Visuals released afterward captured Pope Francis' tomb adorned with a solitary white rose beneath a crucifix, symbolizing his enduring presence in the church.
