Cardinals gather as Vatican prepares for pivotal conclave
Cardinals in the Vatican are preparing for the conclave that will elect the new pope. Following Pope Francis's funeral, congregations have resumed meetings, and the inauguration date of the conclave is a key topic.
Key information
- Cardinals have resumed meetings in the Vatican after Pope Francis's funeral.
- The conclave is expected to start on May 5 or 6.
- The election of a new pope is a global event.
After the conclusion of Pope Francis's funeral ceremonies, the cardinals in the Vatican resumed congregations to prepare for the conclave. The most important task is to determine its start date. Unofficial information suggests it might happen on May 5 or 6.
The election of a new pope attracts global attention. The Sistine Chapel, the voting location, symbolizes centuries-old tradition and mystery. The papal election process is shrouded in secrecy, which only heightens the significant interest.
The unpredictability of the conclave is one of its most fascinating aspects. In the past hundred years, no conclave has lasted more than five days. This contrasts with the legendary election in Viterbo in the 13th century, which lasted over 1,000 days.
The process of electing a new pope
Cardinal electors who are under 80 years old will participate in the conclave. According to regulations, the conclave must begin between the 15th and 20th day after the pope's death. During this time, the cardinals will reside in the Santa Marta House, where they will be isolated from the outside world.
During the conclave, cardinals cannot use media or communicate with individuals outside the Vatican. The process of electing a pope is strictly confidential, and all audiovisual devices are prohibited in the Sistine Chapel. The world does not have access to what happens behind the locked doors of the Sistine Chapel. Before the conclave, specially trained technical staff perform a meticulous inspection in the Sistine Chapel and adjacent rooms.
As indicated by PAP, the election of a new pope is not only a religious matter but also a political one. Discussions among cardinals revolve around the future of the Church and its direction after Francis's pontificate. Some expect a continuation of his reformist line, while others are looking for a candidate who can unite different factions within the Church. Two-thirds of the votes are needed to elect a pope.
The conclave is also a time of speculation and predictions, which are utilized by bookmakers. Predictions do not always turn out to be accurate, as exemplified by the election of Karol Wojtyła in 1978 and Jorge Bergoglio in 2013, which surprised many observers.
