In brief
The Vatican has confirmed that cardinals will convene in a closed-door conclave on May 7 to elect the next pope following the death of Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88. This significant event will take place inside the Sistine Chapel and include approximately 135 cardinals from around the globe.
Each cardinal will partake in a solemn mass at St Peter's Basilica before entering the Sistine Chapel for the election process. During the conclave, cardinals are prohibited from any outside communication until a new pope is appointed. The election process begins with a single vote on the first day, followed by up to four votes daily. The majority needed for a successful election is two-thirds. If a decision isn’t reached by the third day, the cardinals will observe a day of prayer. As is tradition, the world will anticipate the color of smoke from the chimney to signal the outcome: black smoke indicates further voting is required, while white smoke announces the selection of a new pope. Pope Francis's funeral service attracted an extensive gathering of dignitaries and mourners last Saturday, with 140,000 people lining the streets for the pope’s final procession through Rome’s iconic landmarks. The ceremony highlighted Pope Francis’s significant legacy, with poignant tributes and reflections delivered by esteemed church leaders. Images from the service showcased heartfelt remembrances, including the poignant sight of a lone white rose atop his tomb, symbolizing reverence for his impactful life and service.
