Cardinals Set May 7 for Conclave to Elect Pope Francis’ Successor

Catholic cardinals have chosen May 7 as the start date for the conclave to elect Pope Francis’ successor. They decided to delay voting by two days. This gives them extra time to get to know each other and agree on a candidate before entering the Sistine Chapel.

On Monday, cardinals gathered for informal meetings, just two days after Pope Francis’ funeral. Outside the meeting, reporters shouted questions. They wanted to know if there was unity and when the conclave would start. Meanwhile, a satirical journalist repeatedly asked whether a convicted Italian cardinal would be allowed to vote.

Some Want to Follow Francis’ Path

Many cardinals hope to continue Francis’ mission. They want the Church to stay focused on the needy people and to stand against war. However, some conservative cardinals think differently. They want the Church to return to traditional values supported by John Paul II and Benedict XVI.

Argentine Cardinal Angel Sixto Rossi, who became a cardinal in 2023, said, “There is the hope of unity.”

Likewise, British Cardinal Vincent Nichols stressed the need to stay united. “The role of the pope is to essentially hold us together and that’s the grace we’ve been given from God,” he said.

Meanwhile, Venezuelan Cardinal Baltazar Porras expects the conclave to be quick. “Between two and three days,” he said.

Cardinals Face Time Constraints and Unfamiliarity

Currently, 135 cardinals are eligible to vote. Only those under 80 years old can take part. Among them, 108 were appointed by Pope Francis during his 12-year papacy. Since many of them are from distant countries, they have not spent much time in Rome. As a result, they are not well acquainted with one another.

Cardinal Nichols admitted this gap. “We’ve got all week,” he said upon arriving.

However, not everyone will be present. One Spanish cardinal has already said he won’t travel to Rome due to health reasons.

Becciu’s Voting Rights Remain Unclear

Another major concern involves Cardinal Angelo Becciu. In 2020, Pope Francis forced him to resign due to financial scandal. Later, a Vatican court convicted him of finance-related crimes in December 2023. He is now appealing the ruling.

Although Becciu joined the pre-conclave meetings, his voting status remains uncertain. In 2020, he claimed he would not vote in future conclaves. However, he has now changed his stance and insists that he is allowed to vote. While the Vatican’s official list shows him as a non-elector, canon lawyers are reviewing conclave rules to make a final judgment.

Journalists Eye Papal Contenders

Even though Pope Francis appointed most of the voters, that doesn’t guarantee they will continue his policies. On Monday, journalists rushed toward any red-hatted cardinal seen near St. Peter’s Square.

Among the cardinals, Matteo Zuppi of Italy is considered a possible frontrunner. As journalists crowded around him, he remained calm and joked, “I’m holding my breath,” as he walked toward the Vatican gate.

Meanwhile, Nigerian Cardinal John Onaiyekan, who is 81 and too old to vote, said African cardinals are not rallying behind any one candidate. “We have not come here for a political rally. We have come to get a pope out,” he stated.

Last year, African bishops opposed Francis’ decision to allow blessings for same-sex couples. Because of that, some believe the 18 African electors might oppose any liberal candidate.

Voices from Asia and Latin America

From India, Cardinal Anthony Poola, aged 61, said he felt a sense of unity among cardinals. Still, he admitted that anything could happen. He is one of four Indian cardinal electors, and three, including him, were appointed by Francis.

“Anyone who is coming up must be the successor of St. Peter, and we all hope that he will be a good pope,” Poola said.

Additionally, Cardinal Rossi from Argentina expressed hope that Francis’ message would guide the decision. He listed “mercy, closeness, charity, tenderness and faith” as the values that should shape the next pope.