Vatican Sets May 7 for Conclave to Elect New Pope

The Vatican has confirmed that the conclave to elect the successor to Pope Francis will begin on May 7.

This marks a critical moment for the Roman Catholic Church, following the death of Pope Francis last week at the age of 88. The conclave will see approximately 130 cardinals, those under the age of 80, gather in the Sistine Chapel to vote for the new pope.

A two-thirds majority is required to elect a new pontiff, and cardinals will remain sequestered in the chapel until a decision is made. The outcome of this election is expected to determine the future direction of the Catholic Church, with some contenders seen as continuing Pope Francis’ pastoral approach, while others may lean towards a more traditional style.

Since the death of Pope Francis, cardinals have been meeting informally to discuss key issues facing the Church, including logistics for the mourning period, and to finalize details for the conclave. Some cardinals have expressed hopes for unity within the Church, while others anticipate debates over the direction the Church should take in the coming years.

The process is set to begin with a special mass on May 7, followed by the first votes in the afternoon. While the conclave could have started earlier, the cardinals chose to give themselves additional time for informal discussions, including meetings with cardinals over the age of 80, who will not be eligible to vote once the conclave begins.

Cardinal electors are expected to reflect a global perspective, as Pope Francis appointed many cardinals from diverse regions during his papacy. However, not all electors may agree on the future direction of the Church, with some advocating for the continuation of Francis’ emphasis on social justice, while others seek a return to traditional doctrines. The outcome of the conclave remains uncertain, with various factions among the cardinals seeking consensus on a suitable candidate.

The conclave is a centuries-old tradition that has evolved significantly since its origins in the 13th century. It has typically taken only a few days for the cardinals to elect a new pope in recent times, with the most recent election of Pope Francis in 2013 concluding after just two days.

The New York Times, the Associated Press, and NBC News contributed to this report.