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.