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3d ago

Cardinals Gather in Rome to Prepare for Conclave Following Pope Francis’s Death

General congregations focus on priorities for the next papacy as the nine-day mourning period continues ahead of the May 4 conclave.

Peruvian cardinals Carlos Castillo Mattasoglio (2nd L) and Pedro Barreto (C) leave the Vatican on April 24
French cardinal Francois-Xavier Bustillo will take part in the conclave
Following Pope Francis's funeral on Saturday there will be a period of mourning before the conclave begins to select his successor. Cardinal Thomas Collins is one of five cardinals currently in Rome from Canada.
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Overview

  • Pope Francis, who passed away at age 88 from a stroke and heart failure, is being mourned with a nine-day period ending May 4.
  • Cardinals under age 80, including 135 electors, will seclude themselves in the Sistine Chapel to vote for the next pope after the mourning period concludes.
  • The College of Cardinals, shaped by Pope Francis’s appointments prioritizing the Global South, is debating whether to continue his reformist legacy or shift to stricter orthodoxy.
  • General congregations in Rome have provided a forum for cardinals to exchange views, emphasizing prayer and unity over political maneuvering.
  • Cardinals have outlined an ideal successor as a humble, approachable leader who can bridge divides within the Church while addressing global diversity.