Two cardinals absent as papal conclave set to begin May 7
Two cardinals who have the right to participate in the upcoming conclave will not be attending. The meeting, which will end only when white smoke rises over the Vatican to indicate the selection of Pope Francis' successor, will include 120 cardinals.
What do you need to know?
- The conclave will begin on May 7 at St. Peter's Basilica. At 10:00 AM, a Mass will be held with the intention of electing a new pope. Details were provided on Tuesday.
- Two cardinal electors will not participate in the conclave. They are unable to take part in the election of a new pope due to health reasons.
- Prayer in the Pauline Chapel at 4:30 PM will inaugurate the procession to the Sistine Chapel, where the voting will occur.
What challenges does the Church face?
As reported by Vatican News, during the sixth general congregation of cardinals on Tuesday, 20 speeches were given regarding the challenges facing the Church. Among the 183 cardinals in attendance, 120 are electors. On Tuesday, the discussions focused on the current issues of the Church that need urgent solutions, and on May 7, they will initiate the election of a pope.
What does the absence of cardinals mean for the conclave?
The absence of two cardinal electors - Antonio Cañizares Llovera and Vinko Puljić - is noted by Vatican News without providing details of their indisposition. This situation may, however, influence the final decisions regarding the successor to the late Francis.
What are the next steps in the process of electing a pope?
The start of the conclave is set for May 7, when the cardinals will gather for prayer in the Pauline Chapel. At 10:00 AM, a Mass at St. Peter's Basilica will be celebrated with the intention of selecting a pope, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals.
The procession will then move to the Sistine Chapel, inaugurating the official voting. The election of a new pope is a significant moment for the Church, with its outcome affecting the future of the Catholic community.
