Pope selection process commences on May 7th.

In a dramatic turn of events, the esteemed group of Catholic cardinals has set the date for Pope Francis' successor's election on May 7, embracing an extended two-day period to foster unity and rapport among their ranks.

Following the pope's funeral on Saturday, the cardinals embarked on the first day of unofficial meetings, with journalists in a frenzy, questioning the mood inside and unity among them. A journalist from an Italian satirical TV program even brought up the contentious matter of whether an Italian cardinal convicted by the Vatican court on financial charges would be allowed to vote.

The conclave, initially scheduled to begin as early as May 5 or 6, has now been delayed, giving the cardinals more leeway to engage in less formal sessions. In these discussions, attendees over 80, who will be barred from the Sistine Chapel once the conclave starts, will participate.

Argentine Cardinal Ángel Sixto Rossi, who Francis made a cardinal in 2023, expressed hope for unity among the cardinals. Many of them pointed to maintaining Francis' focus on helping marginalized people and opposing war, while conservatives seem more intent on unifying the church and reinstating core doctrines established by St. John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI.

British Cardinal Vincent Nichols, a 79-year-old archbishop, emphasized the importance of unity, downplaying any potential divisions. Venezuelan Cardinal Baltazar Enrique Porras Cardozo expressed confidence in a swift decision, suggesting it could be decided within two to three days.

The upcoming conclave brings together Catholic clergy from far-flung corners of the globe, many of whom have not had an opportunity to build lasting relationships. This unfamiliarity might inject a touch of uncertainty into the proceedings, making the process more nuanced and delicate.

Nichols acknowledged that the 135 cardinal electors - mostly appointed by Francis - are not well-acquainted with each other. The last 20 were appointed in early December.

"We've got all week," Nichols said as he arrived at the meetings.

Only cardinals under 80 are eligible to vote, and it remains to be seen how many will participate, as a Spanish cardinal has publicly stated he will not attend due to health concerns.

A cloud of uncertainty hovers over the proceedings due to the potential participation of Angelo Becciu, once a prominent cardinal known for his role in the Vatican. After being forced to resign as head of the Vatican's saint-making office due to accusations of embezzlement and financial fraud, Becciu was later convicted of finance-related charges in 2023 but is currently appealing the verdict.

While Francis populated the ranks with his cardinals, it remains to be seen whether all of them will hope to continue the church in his image.

As the red caps begin to appear in St. Peter's Square, journalists scramble to capture the mood inside, with Italian Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, a potential pope contender, managing to charm his way through the swarm of microphones and cameras with his humor. Nigerian Cardinal John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan, 81 and too old to vote, lightheartedly stated that they had gathered not for a political rally but to select a pope.

Indian Cardinal Anthony Poola, a relatively young cardinal participating in the conclave, signaled a sense of unity among the attendees but allowed that "anything could happen." As one of four Indian electors, he is part of a diverse, global group tasked with selecting the next leader of the Catholic Church.

The election process is complex and fraught with potential divisions based on theological stances, geographical representation, Curia and non-Curia cardinals, and age and health considerations. In the end, achieving a two-thirds majority in the voting process could prove challenging but is essential for maintaining unity within the Church.

Within the gatherings, discussions are focused on refocusing the church on Francis' focus on supporting marginalized people and opposition to war, while some cardinals aim to reinstall core doctrines established by Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI.
The microphones are swarming around Indian Cardinal Anthony Poola, a potential pope contender, as he signals a sense of unity among the attendees but also hints at the unpredictable nature of the proceedings.
The hope for unity is echoed by Argentine Cardinal Ángel Sixto Rossi, who expressed the desire for the cardinals to continue the church in Francis' image.
The election process has a complex nature, involving theological stances, geographical representation, Curia and non-Curia cardinals, and age and health considerations, making achieving a two-thirds majority in the voting process crucial for maintaining unity within the Church.
An air of uncertainty surrounds the proceedings due to the potential participation of Angelo Becciu, a controversial cardinal known for past financial charges, which has led to speculation over the cardinals who will truly hope to carry on the church in Francis' image.