Conclave to Choose New Pope Will Start May 7, Vatican Says

The conclave to elect the next pope will commence on May 7, as announced by the Vatican on Monday, marking a crucial moment for the future of the Roman Catholic Church following the passing of Pope Francis at 88 years old last week.

Cardinals now have just over a week to engage in discussions, campaigning, and familiarizing themselves with the potential candidates. Some contenders may aim to continue Pope Francis’ focus on a pastoral approach, while others may represent a more traditional style.

Numerous cardinals have been convening since the pope’s demise to address logistical aspects of the mourning period and to deliberate on significant challenges facing the church. They have also set a date for the cardinal-electors to gather in the Sistine Chapel for the election of Francis’ successor.

The cardinals will convene again on Tuesday morning, and the political maneuvering is expected to escalate now that a date has been established for the election of the next pontiff.

This was evident on Monday as the cardinals deliberated on the church’s relationship with other religions, evangelization, sexual abuse within the church, and other pressing issues, in addition to finalizing the conclave date. Vatican spokesperson mentioned that the meeting focused on the qualities the new pope must possess to address these challenges. Apart from the candidates’ stances, factors such as age and nationality will also influence the discussions, according to Vatican experts.

Only around 100 of the approximately 130 cardinals, those below the age of 80 and eligible to vote in the secret ballot, took part in the meetings, as per the Vatican. Others are expected to arrive in Rome in the upcoming days.

A two-thirds majority is required to elect a new pope, and cardinals are confined within the conclave until a successor is chosen, except under exceptional circumstances.

Usually, a conclave must commence 15 to 20 days after the pope’s passing; this one will begin 16 days after Francis’ demise. In 2013, Francis was elected within two days.

May 7 was selected partly to allow ample time for preparations, stated Matteo Bruni, the Vatican’s spokesperson, during a press briefing. The preparations for the conclave in the Sistine Chapel, including setting up the burners for ballot burning after each round of voting, will now commence, Mr. Bruni added.

During the conclave, spectators outside monitor a chimney on the Sistine Chapel to ascertain whether a new pope has been elected. If a consensus is not reached after a ballot, black smoke is released. White smoke indicates the selection of a new pope.

On May 7, the day will commence with a Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by the cardinals entering the Sistine Chapel for voting.

The term “conclave” – derived from the Latin “with key” – signifies the seclusion imposed during the election process to prevent delays.

Most cardinals will be accommodated in Casa Santa Marta, constructed on the orders of Pope John Paul II to replace the previous makeshift lodging in the papal palace. However, with Francis appointing a greater number of cardinals than his predecessors, concerns have been raised about sufficient accommodation.

Mr. Bruni expressed confidence, stating, “No one will be left on the street.”