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3mo ago

Vatican Confirms May 7 Start for Papal Conclave

Cardinals finalize date to elect Pope Francis's successor, with 135 eligible electors set to convene in the Sistine Chapel.

A white rose is placed on Pope Francis' tomb in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
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FILE - Tables and chairs line the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican in preparation for the conclave, on April 16, 2005. (AP Photo/Pier Paolo Cito, File)
Hundreds of people waited in line to pay their respects to the late Pope Francis.

Overview

  • The Vatican announced that the conclave to elect the next pope will begin on May 7, following the nine-day mourning period for Pope Francis.
  • A total of 135 cardinal electors under the age of 80 are eligible to vote, with preparations for the conclave underway in the Sistine Chapel.
  • Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at age 88, was laid to rest on April 26 following a funeral attended by 400,000 mourners and global leaders.
  • Cardinal Pietro Parolin, former Vatican secretary of state, is widely regarded as a leading candidate to succeed Francis, though the outcome remains uncertain.
  • The conclave will adhere to centuries-old traditions, including strict isolation, four daily ballots, and smoke signals to communicate voting results.