With the passing of Pope Francis at the age of 88, the Vatican has confirmed that a conclave to elect his successor will commence on May 7. The election will involve more than 130 eligible cardinals, all under the age of 80, who will cast secret ballots until a new pope is chosen. The process requires a two-thirds majority for a successful election, and strict protocols dictate that cardinals remain within the Sistine Chapel until a new leader is appointed.
Conclave Scheduled to Elect New Pope Following Francis' Passing
Conclave Scheduled to Elect New Pope Following Francis' Passing
The Vatican announces the conclave to select a successor to Pope Francis will begin on May 7, as over 130 cardinals are set to participate in the election process.
Since the announcement of Pope Francis' death, cardinals from around the globe have congregated in Rome. They have engaged in preliminary discussions in advance of the formal voting, a process described as the foundational groundwork of the papal election. During the conclave, the public will monitor the smoking chimney atop the Sistine Chapel for signs of the decision; black smoke indicates no consensus, while white smoke signifies the election of a new pope.
Emma Bubola is a Times reporter based in Rome.
Emma Bubola is a Times reporter based in Rome.
