Overview

• The conclave to elect the next pope will begin on May 7, with the first ballot scheduled for the afternoon.
• 135 cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote, with one withdrawal due to illness confirmed.
• The Sistine Chapel has been closed to tourists as preparations for the conclave, including setup of voting facilities, are underway.
• Daily general congregations of cardinals are being held to finalize procedural and logistical details ahead of the conclave.
• A two-thirds majority is required to elect the new pope, with smoke signals indicating the results of each ballot.