The Vatican has confirmed that a conclave to elect the next pope will begin on May 7, gathering approximately 135 cardinals to partake in this sacred and confidential voting process, following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday.
New Papal Conclave Set to Commence on May 7 Following Pope Francis's Death
New Papal Conclave Set to Commence on May 7 Following Pope Francis's Death
Vatican announces a secret conclave of cardinals to elect the new pope, starting May 7, after the passing of Pope Francis.
The cardinals will assemble in the Sistine Chapel, where they will engage in a sacred mass before moving to the voting process. Once the cardinals enter the chapel, there will be no communication with the outside world until a new pope is appointed.
The election process does not have a set timeline, but past conclaves held in 2005 and 2013 took only two days. Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni emphasized the importance of this solemn process, which requires a two-thirds majority vote for the election of a new pontiff. The cardinals will cast a ballot that reads, in Latin, "I elect as Supreme Pontiff" followed by the name of their chosen candidate.
Should the voting extend beyond the third day without a decision, the cardinals may opt for a day of prayer. The world will be eagerly watching for the smoke signals from the chapel chimney: black smoke indicates further voting is necessary, while white smoke reveals the selection of a new pope.
In the wake of Pope Francis's funeral which took place over the weekend, attendance included numerous political and royal figures paying tribute to his legacy. The funeral on Saturday saw thousands gather in St Peter's Square, where hymns resonated loudly as the Pope's coffin was honored in a procession that drew 140,000 people. After the ceremony, a poignant image of Pope Francis's tomb was shared, featuring a solitary white rose and a crucifix bathed in light, signifying the profound impact of his papacy on the world.
The election process does not have a set timeline, but past conclaves held in 2005 and 2013 took only two days. Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni emphasized the importance of this solemn process, which requires a two-thirds majority vote for the election of a new pontiff. The cardinals will cast a ballot that reads, in Latin, "I elect as Supreme Pontiff" followed by the name of their chosen candidate.
Should the voting extend beyond the third day without a decision, the cardinals may opt for a day of prayer. The world will be eagerly watching for the smoke signals from the chapel chimney: black smoke indicates further voting is necessary, while white smoke reveals the selection of a new pope.
In the wake of Pope Francis's funeral which took place over the weekend, attendance included numerous political and royal figures paying tribute to his legacy. The funeral on Saturday saw thousands gather in St Peter's Square, where hymns resonated loudly as the Pope's coffin was honored in a procession that drew 140,000 people. After the ceremony, a poignant image of Pope Francis's tomb was shared, featuring a solitary white rose and a crucifix bathed in light, signifying the profound impact of his papacy on the world.
