Conclave Scheduled for New Pope Election on May 7, Vatican Confirms

The event will take place in the Sistine Chapel with 135 cardinals participating in a secretive voting process, driven by solemn tradition.

In a significant announcement, the Vatican has confirmed that a conclave will convene on May 7 to choose the next Pope following the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88. This highly anticipated event will bring together approximately 135 cardinals from around the globe in the historic setting of the Sistine Chapel.

Pope Francis's funeral took place on Saturday, attended by dignitaries, heads of state, and thousands of mourners, drawing significant international attention. The selection process for the new pope will commence with cardinals attending a solemn mass at St. Peter's Basilica; thereafter, they will enter the Sistine Chapel, where communication with the outside world will be prohibited until a new pontiff is chosen.

The conclave's voting process begins with a single round on the first day, followed by up to four voting sessions daily in subsequent days. To secure the papacy, a candidate must achieve a two-thirds majority vote, which may prolong the process. In cases where a decision is not reached by the third day, the cardinals may take time for prayer.

As the world awaits news from the conclave, observers will closely monitor the smoke signals emitted from the chapel's chimney—black smoke indicating further voting is necessary, while white smoke would signify that a new Pope has been elected.

The funeral of Pope Francis was notably attended by 140,000 people who lined Rome's streets to witness the final journey of the beloved pontiff. A procession highlighted iconic landmarks, including the Colosseum and the Altare della Patria. Memorial images have also emerged showing the pope’s resting place adorned with a single white rose, marking the end of an era for the Catholic Church and the beginning of a new chapter with the upcoming papal election.