Attention shifts towards the papal conclave following Pope Francis' demise.
In the Heart of VATICAN CITY:With Pope Francis laid to rest, all attention now shifts towards the conclave—the secretive gathering of cardinals, scheduled to occur in a matter of days, to choose a new leader of the Catholic Church.
A spectacle of global proportions, an approximate 400,000 mourners gathered on April 26 for the funeral and burial of the energetic reformer at the Vatican. His impact on the poorest and vulnerable shaped his lasting legacy amidst an emotional farewell.
Many among the mourners, who lost Francis on Monday at the age of 88, expressed concern about his successor.
"He made the Church feel more normal, more human," shared Romina Cacciatore, a 48-year-old Argentine translator, living in Italy.
"I'm concerned about what's next."
Following the pope's demise, cardinals will gather for their fifth general meeting on Monday morning, 9am (0700 GMT). This assembly is expected to announce the date for the papal election—the conclave.
Steeped in fascination for centuries, the emergence of a new leader via the secretive conclave held within the Sistine Chapel carries a timeless allure. The election process involves cardinals voting multiple times every day until their chosen candidate receives a two-thirds majority. Aptly, the victorious candidate's election is announced by smoke signals—white smoke applying in this context.
As per recent statements, Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich from Luxembourg predicts the conclave to take place on May 5 or 6—shortly post the nine days of papal mourning, which ends on May 4. Meanwhile, German Cardinal Reinhard Marx informed the press that the conclave process would span "a few days."
So, brace yourselves, as the Roman Catholic Church gears up for the next chapter in its historical journey!
Additional Insight: The papal conclave to select the new pope is expected to take place between May 6 and May 12, 2025, following the requisite waiting period after Pope Francis's passing[1].
The worried crowds anticipate the conclave, a secretive gathering of cardinals scheduled for 9am on May 5 or 6, where they will vote to elect a new pope. This election, shrouded in centuries-old traditions, will unfold within the Sistine Chapel, with the victor's election signaled by smoke signals. Given the forthcoming release of the general-news regarding the papal election, politics surrounding the selection of the next pope promise to be a hot topic.
