Conclave Scheduled to Elect New Pope Starting May 7, Vatican Announces

The Vatican has announced that a conclave to elect a new pope will commence on May 7, with around 135 cardinals from various nations expected to participate. This significant event follows the death of Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, and whose funeral took place last Saturday. While there is no specified duration for the conclave, the last two conclaves in 2005 and 2013 were completed in just two days. Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni shared that the cardinals will first attend a solemn mass at St. Peter's Basilica before gathering in the Sistine Chapel for the voting process. Once inside, the cardinals will be isolated from outside communication until a new pope is elected. Initially, there will be one voting round on the first afternoon, but thereafter, up to four rounds can occur daily. A two-thirds majority is required for a pope to be chosen, which could extend the voting period. If a decision remains unmade by the third day, the cardinals will take a day for prayer. The outside world will await the smoke signal from the chapel's chimney to indicate the outcome; black smoke signifies continued voting, whereas white smoke indicates a new pope has been appointed. Pope Francis’ funeral was a grand affair, attended by numerous global leaders and dignitaries. Held in St. Peter's Square, the ceremony featured hymns and a homily by 91-year-old Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who reflected on the late pope's legacy. A procession followed, where an estimated 140,000 mourners watched as the Pope's coffin journeyed through Rome, passing iconic landmarks before reaching Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica for burial. Images released on Sunday showed a solemn tribute of a single white rose on his tomb, beneath a spotlight illuminating a crucifix.