People gather to say goodbye to the 'popular pope', as his funeral is marked by the inclusion of Mandarin.
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Pope Francis passes away, Triggering the Clash of Cardinals for the Throne
In the somber Vatican halls, over 200 cardinals, including Hong Kong's Cardinal Stephen Chow Sau-yan, gathered for the 2-hour requiem mass, marking the beginning of the race to elect the next pope. As per tradition, the conclave commences roughly 15 to 20 days following the pontiff's demise, with these cardinals under the age of 80 eligible to partake in the ritualistic selection process.
Another notable attendee was retired Hong Kong Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, renowned for his outspoken criticism against the church hierarchy and the Chinese government.
A sea of approximately 250,000 mourners flooded the square, with an additional 150,000 lining the surrounding streets. Some ardent followers even braved the cold, camping out overnight, eager to secure a spot for this monumental event.
A grand roster of more than 50 global leaders graced the funeral, including Argentinian President Javier Milei, Britain's Prince William, French President Emmanuel Macron, former US President Donald Trump, and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky.
The candidates for the papal crown are a diverse bunch, hailing from various continents and bringing unique perspectives to the table. Some notable potential popes include Cardinal Peter Erdo, the Archbishop of Budapest, known for his balanced stance on migration and commitment to unity, and Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi, an Italian cardinal who has fostered inclusivity, championed social causes, and engaged in international dialogue.
The College of Cardinals, a global government of sorts, has seen a shift in representation, favoring Latin America, Africa, and Asia, reflecting the geographical distribution of the world's Catholics. The election process will unfold under the guidance of the Vatican constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, where the much-sought-after two-thirds majority is required to claim the coveted title of pope.
The passing of Pope Francis triggered a rush among over 200 cardinals, including Cardinal Stephen Chow Sau-yan and retired Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, to elect his successor, with the conclave scheduled to commence within 15 to 20 days. Despite the cold, an estimated 250,000 mourners camped out overnight, with many more lining the streets, to secure a spot for this momentous event. The upcoming funeral promises to be an international affair, with leaders like Argentinian President Javier Milei, Britain's Prince William, French President Emmanuel Macron, former US President Donald Trump, and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky in attendance.
