Vatican announces May 7 conclave to elect new pope after Francis’ death
The cardinals will engage in a series of votes, held in secret, until one of them receives the required majority to become the next leader of the Catholic Church.
The Vatican has revealed that the conclave to elect the next pope will begin on 7 May inside the Sistine Chapel, bringing together around 135 cardinals from across the globe.
The meeting follows the passing of Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday and was laid to rest on Saturday.
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The process to choose a new pope will take place behind closed doors, following the Church's long-standing traditions.
“Cardinals will meet next month in a secret conclave to elect the next pope,” the Vatican announced on Monday.
The conclave will take place in the historic Sistine Chapel, a location rich in history and symbolism for the Catholic Church.
The exact length of the election process has not been determined. However, in the past two conclaves, held in 2005 and 2013, a new pope was elected in just two days.
The cardinals will engage in a series of votes, held in secret, until one of them receives the required majority to become the next leader of the Catholic Church.
Until then, the cardinals are expected to keep their discussions and votes confidential, following the strict rules that govern the conclave.
The death of Pope Francis has left a deep void in the Catholic community, and all eyes are now on the cardinals who must decide who will guide the Church in the years ahead.
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