The Vatican has started preparations for the conclave to elect the 267th leader of the Catholic Church, following the death of Pope Francis. The conclave is scheduled to begin on May 7, where 135 cardinal electors will gather in the Sistine Chapel to choose the new Pope.
*Conclave Process*
- *Cardinal Electors*: 135 cardinals under the age of 80 will participate in the conclave, representing different regions worldwide, including 53 from Europe, 23 from Asia, 20 from North America, 18 from Africa, 17 from South America, and 4 from Oceania.
- *Voting Process*: The cardinals will hold two daily votes until one candidate achieves a two-thirds majority. If no candidate reaches the required majority, the cardinals will pause for prayer and discussion.
- *Smoke Signal*: After each vote, smoke will emerge from the chimney – black if no Pope has been elected, and white if a new Pope has been chosen ¹.
*Key Dates and Events*
- *May 7*: Conclave begins, and cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel to elect the new Pope.
- *Public Mass*: A public Mass for the election of the Roman Pontiff will be celebrated on May 7 in St. Peter's Basilica.
*What to Expect*
- *New Leadership*: The conclave will determine the next leader of the Catholic Church, who will acquire full and supreme power over the universal church upon election.
- *Habemus Papam*: The senior cardinal deacon will announce the new Pope to the public with the traditional Latin phrase, "Habemus Papam" ("We have a Pope") ².
