The Vatican has officially announced that cardinals from across the globe will convene on 7 May to begin the secretive process of electing the next Pope, following the death of Pope Francis.
In a statement, on Sunday Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni revealed that 135 cardinals are expected to participate in the closed-door conclave, which will take place within the historic Sistine Chapel.
“The cardinals will first celebrate a solemn Mass at St Peter’s Basilica before proceeding to the Sistine Chapel to begin the conclave,” Bruni said.
Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, was laid to rest following a grand funeral service on Saturday, attended by global leaders and thousands of mourners.
The conclave, governed by strict traditions, prohibits any form of outside communication until a new pontiff is selected. According to Vatican rules, cardinals will cast one vote on the afternoon of the first day, and up to four votes each day thereafter until a new Pope emerges. A two-thirds majority is required for election.
“There is no fixed duration for the conclave,” Bruni added, “but history shows that the process can be swift. The last two conclaves in 2005 and 2013 were both concluded within two days.”
As part of the election ritual, cardinals will submit their choices on ballots inscribed with the Latin phrase “Eligo in Summum Pontificem”, meaning “I elect as Supreme Pontiff,” before writing the name of their chosen candidate.
If after three days no consensus is reached, the cardinals may observe a day of prayer and reflection.
Outside the chapel, the world will watch the Vatican chimney for the traditional smoke signals: black smoke for no decision, and white smoke to announce the election of a new Pope.
Saturday’s funeral ceremony for Pope Francis was a solemn event, marked by hymns echoing through St Peter’s Square and a heartfelt homily by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re. “Pope Francis’ legacy of compassion and humility will continue to inspire generations,” Cardinal Re said.
Following the service, a massive crowd of about 140,000 people lined the streets of Rome, cheering and waving as the hearse carrying the late Pope’s coffin made its way to his final resting place at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
Images released on Sunday showed the simple tomb of Pope Francis adorned with a single white rose beneath a softly lit crucifix.
The world now awaits the outcome of the upcoming conclave, as the Catholic Church prepares to usher in a new era of leadership.
