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Cardinals Gather in Rome to Prepare for Papal Conclave After Pope Francis's Death

The Catholic Church begins the process to elect a new pope as cardinals hold preparatory meetings ahead of the conclave, set to commence within 15–20 days.

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FILE - Cardinal Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi, Archbishop of Tokyo, left, is congratulated by fellow cardinals after being elevated by Pope Francis during a solemn Mass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Dec. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, File)
A memorial was erected in honor of Pope Francis, who died April 21, at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains in Cincinatti, Ohio.
FILE - U.S. Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell presides over a vigil service over the death of George Floyd, a Black man who died after being restrained by Minneapolis police officers, in Rome's Santa Maria in Trastevere Church, June 5, 2020. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Overview

  • Pope Francis passed away on April 21, triggering the 'sede vacante' period and the start of preparations for the papal conclave.
  • Cardinals from around the world are assembling in Rome for daily discussions to address key Church issues before the secretive conclave begins.
  • The conclave, held in the Sistine Chapel, will involve up to 120 cardinal-electors under the age of 80 casting ballots to elect the next pope.
  • Cardinals will be sequestered at Domus Sanctae Marthae without external communication until a two-thirds majority is reached in the voting process.
  • The election outcome will be signaled by white smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney, followed by the 'Habemus Papam' announcement from St. Peter's Basilica.