Overview

• The papal conclave to elect Pope Francis' successor will begin on May 7 at 4:30 PM in the Sistine Chapel, with 133 cardinal electors participating.
• Cardinals have scheduled two extended congregations on May 5 to allow more time for discussions on the Church's direction and candidate selection.
• Cardinal Pietro Parolin remains the leading candidate but faces sustained attacks, including debunked health rumors from U.S.-based conservative sites.
• Six prominent candidates, including Parolin, Tagle, Zuppi, Aveline, Erdo, and Pizzaballa, represent diverse ideological factions within the Church.
• Social media and international pressure groups continue to influence pre-conclave narratives, highlighting the modern complexities of the election process.