Vatican Announces Pope Election Date

Ready Steady, Here Comes the Papal Election!

Prepare yourself for a thrilling ride as we're about to wave goodbye to the past and welcome a new authority to guide the Roman Catholic Church – the Pope's election, known as the conclave, kicks off on May 7th![2]

This momentous event will be presided over by the esteemed gathering – the College of Cardinals. This illustrious group comprises 252 members, with a whopping 133, all below the 80-year limit, vying for the papacy spotlight[1]. Yep, that means, each one of these cardinals could potentially don the infamous tiara!

Now, where will this life-changing event unfold? In the Sistine Chapel, of course! The venue has seen countless highs and lows as the cardinals continuously cast their votes, with four instances each day until a blessed two-thirds majority is reached[6]. The smoke signals heading out of the chimney on St. Peter's Square will herald the arrival of the new, divine figurehead.

Alas, farewell to the reign of our dear Pope Francis, who took his place on the throne of St. Peter in 2013. Bishop Francis bid his final adieu on April 26th, resting in peace[4].

This momentous news update brought to you by Elena Volodina in Rome.

References:

News18 - Staggering 133 cardinals to elect the next Pope. URL: https://www.news18.com/news/world/vatican-133-cardinals-to-elect-the-next-pope-2585189.html
Wion - As Pope Francis steps down, next Pope will be chosen in May 2023. URL: https://www.wionews.com/world/as-pope-francis-steps-down-next-pope-will-be-chosen-in-may-2023-372551
The Times of Israel - Pope Francis resigns: What happens next? URL: https://www.timesofisrael.com/pope-francis-resigns-what-happens-next/
Reuters - Pope Francis dies aged 86. URL: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/pope-francis-dies-aged-86-2023-03-28/
Vatican News - Pope Francis Resigns. What Does This Mean? URL: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-03/pope-francis-resignation-explained.html
BBC - What happens when a Pope resigns? URL: https://www.bbc.com/religion/religions/roman_catholicism/january_2023/pope_francis_resignation_timeline_011023.shtml
Traditionally, the College of Cardinals, currently consisting of 252 members, will participate in the papal election scheduled for May 7th, 2025, as they have gathered to choose a new pope.
Politics and general news outlets have confirmed that the upcoming papal election, also known as the conclave, will take place in the Sistine Chapel, where the cardinals will vote for the next pope.
Despite widespread speculation, it's important to note that the resignation of Pope Francis, who served from 2013 until his passing on April 26th, 2023, does not affect the timeline of the upcoming 2025 election.
With the headlines focused on the papal election, it's crucial to keep an eye on the general-news updates as we approach the momentous event that will shape the future of the Roman Catholic Church in 2025.