The Vatican officially confirmed that the conclave to select the next pope will kick off on May 7, following the passing of Pope Francis. Over 130 cardinals will gather, with a two-thirds majority required for the election, and eligible cardinals under 80 will participate in the vote.
Conclave Set to Begin as Catholic Church Prepares for New Leadership
Conclave Set to Begin as Catholic Church Prepares for New Leadership
Vatican announces May 7 start date for conclave to elect successor to late Pope Francis, requiring over 130 eligible cardinals to reach a two-thirds majority.
As the Catholic Church enters this critical moment, cardinals worldwide are converging on Rome for discussions leading up to the secret ballot. The tradition demands that the conclave commence within 15 to 20 days of the pope's death. The last conclave saw a swift election, concluding in just two days.
During this process, spectators will observe smoke signals from the Sistine Chapel's chimney: black smoke indicates no consensus within the voting body, while white smoke reveals the election of a new pontiff. With tensions running high and the stakes immense, the Church stands on the cusp of profound change as it determines its future leadership.
During this process, spectators will observe smoke signals from the Sistine Chapel's chimney: black smoke indicates no consensus within the voting body, while white smoke reveals the election of a new pontiff. With tensions running high and the stakes immense, the Church stands on the cusp of profound change as it determines its future leadership.
