Apr 29, 2025
Vatican Announces May 7 Conclave to Elect New Pope
The Vatican has set May 7, 2025, as the start date for the conclave to elect the 267th pope, following the death of Pope Francis on April 21 at age 88
135 eligible cardinals under the age of 80 are convening in Rome to participate in the secretive voting process held in the Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel has been closed to visitors as preparations begin for the conclave, including the installation of the smoke chimney that signals voting outcomes
The Novemdiales Masses, a series of nine days of mourning and prayer for the late pope, have concluded, marking the end of the interregnum period
The College of Cardinals includes members from across the globe, reflecting Pope Francis's efforts to diversify the leadership of the Catholic Church
Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu, previously embroiled in financial misconduct allegations, has renounced his participation in the conclave, honoring the wishes of the late Pope Francis
Speculation surrounds the possibility of electing the first pope from the Global South, with several candidates from Asia, Africa, and Latin America considered frontrunners
The conclave follows a strict protocol, with cardinals taking oaths of secrecy and voting conducted in multiple rounds until a two-thirds majority is achieved
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