Vatican Announces Start Date For Conclave To Elect New Pope

In Vatican City, Catholic cardinals have scheduled May 7 as the beginning of the conclave to select the next Pope after Pope Francis. This decision delays the voting process by two days to allow the cardinals to familiarize themselves with each other and reach a consensus on a candidate before entering the seclusion of the Sistine Chapel.

The cardinals settled on the date after attending the initial day of informal discussions following Pope Francis’ funeral on Saturday. Journalists bombarded the cardinals with questions about the atmosphere within, unity among them, and the commencement of the conclave. Amid the chaos, an Italian television program reporter repeatedly inquired whether an Italian cardinal, convicted by the Vatican criminal court on financial charges, would be permitted to vote.

Argentine Cardinal Ángel Sixto Rossi, appointed a cardinal by Francis in 2023, expressed hope for unity, emphasizing the continuation of Francis’ focus on marginalized individuals and peace. However, some conservative cardinals may aim to unite and steer the church back towards the doctrines emphasized by St. John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI, rather than continuing Francis’ social justice initiatives.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Britain emphasized the importance of unity within the church, downplaying divisions. The conclave is expected to reach a decision swiftly once it commences, according to Venezuelan Cardinal Baltazar Enrique Porras Cardozo, likely within two to three days.

The College of Cardinals tasked with electing the new Pope includes members from various regions globally, appointed by Francis over his 12-year papacy to offer diverse perspectives to the Catholic Church hierarchy. A key challenge in the process is the requirement for two-thirds of the voting-age cardinals to unite behind a single candidate, with many cardinals having limited interaction with each other.

There are uncertainties surrounding the participation of certain cardinals, such as Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who faces allegations of embezzlement and financial fraud. The cardinals are also considering the future direction of the church, with differing preferences on continuing in Francis’ image.

Cardinals from Africa, Asia, and Latin America have also expressed their perspectives on the upcoming conclave, emphasizing the importance of unity and selecting a successor who embodies the values of the church. Despite challenges and uncertainties, the cardinals are determined to find a suitable candidate to lead the church.