Overview

• The conclave, the most international in history, will begin on May 7 at 16:30 with 133 cardinal electors representing 70 countries.
• Vatican security measures include disabling electronic networks and isolating the Sistine Chapel to ensure secrecy during the election process.
• A two-thirds majority, or 89 votes, is required to elect the 267th Pope, with leading candidates including Pietro Parolin and Luis Antonio Tagle.
• Cardinals have held 11 congregations to discuss Church priorities and potential candidates, but no clear frontrunner has emerged.
• The first vote will take place on the afternoon of May 7, with subsequent rounds scheduled daily until a new Pope is chosen.