On May 7, approximately 135 cardinals from around the world will gather in the Sistine Chapel for a secretive conclave to elect a new pope, following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday. The Vatican has announced that the conclave will begin with a solemn mass at St. Peter's Basilica, after which the cardinals will enter the Sistine Chapel, where communication with the outside world will cease until a new pope is elected. The election process requires a two-thirds majority, and if no decision is reached after three days, a day of prayer will be held, while the world eagerly awaits the signaling smoke from the chapel chimney.
Conclave Set to Elect Next Pope Begins on May 7

Conclave Set to Elect Next Pope Begins on May 7
Vatican confirms the upcoming conclave for the selection of the next pope following the passing of Pope Francis.
In a significant event for the Catholic Church, the Vatican has announced that a conclave will commence on May 7 to elect a new pope. This follows the recent passing of Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88 on Easter Monday. The funeral, conducted on Saturday, was attended by dignitaries from around the globe and witnessed a massive outpouring of public support, with an estimated 140,000 mourners lining the streets of Rome.
Inside the Sistine Chapel, the cardinals will participate in this tightly controlled voting process, starting after the mass at St. Peter's Basilica. Cardinal Matteo Bruni emphasized the importance of the conclave's secrecy, as the cardinals will engage in up to four rounds of voting each day, attempting to reach the required two-thirds majority to elect the next Supreme Pontiff. The process may be swift, as seen in previous conclaves, but the outcome remains uncertain, with the world waiting for the iconic smoke signals to confirm the decision of the cardinals.
As the Church embarks on this pivotal leadership transition, images of Pope Francis's final resting place have emerged, showing a solitary white rose resting upon his tomb. His legacy, celebrated during his funeral, continues to resonate deeply with both leaders and the faithful alike, as the Catholic Church prepares for its next chapter.
Inside the Sistine Chapel, the cardinals will participate in this tightly controlled voting process, starting after the mass at St. Peter's Basilica. Cardinal Matteo Bruni emphasized the importance of the conclave's secrecy, as the cardinals will engage in up to four rounds of voting each day, attempting to reach the required two-thirds majority to elect the next Supreme Pontiff. The process may be swift, as seen in previous conclaves, but the outcome remains uncertain, with the world waiting for the iconic smoke signals to confirm the decision of the cardinals.
As the Church embarks on this pivotal leadership transition, images of Pope Francis's final resting place have emerged, showing a solitary white rose resting upon his tomb. His legacy, celebrated during his funeral, continues to resonate deeply with both leaders and the faithful alike, as the Catholic Church prepares for its next chapter.