Cardinals Meet to Set Date for Pope Francis’ Successor Election
Red-robed cardinals gathered at the Vatican on Monday to set a date for the conclave that will elect the next pope, following the death of Pope Francis.
Meeting at 9:00 a.m. (0700 GMT), the so-called “Princes of the Church” are expected to announce that voting will begin on Monday, May 5. This would be a day after the formal nine days of mourning concludes.
The Catholic Church summoned its 252 cardinals to Rome after Francis’ death on April 21. However, only 135 are eligible to vote — those aged under 80. The electors, drawn from every continent, have already met four times last week in general congregations to become better acquainted.
Cardinal Gualtiero Bassetti, 83, described the atmosphere as “beautiful and fraternal,” although he admitted that the large number of voters and their unfamiliarity with each other might pose challenges.
At the moment, there are few hints about who will be chosen. Spanish Cardinal Jose Cobo noted, “If Francis was the pope of surprises, this conclave will be too.”
Francis was buried on Saturday at the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome, choosing a resting place outside the Vatican walls. His funeral drew 400,000 mourners, including royalty, world leaders, and countless pilgrims.
Frontrunners for the Papacy
Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the former Secretary of State under Francis, is currently seen as the favorite. British bookmakers William Hill also list Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle and Ghana’s Cardinal Peter Turkson as top contenders.
Other names being discussed include Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Guinea’s Cardinal Robert Sarah, and Matteo Zuppi, Archbishop of Bologna.
A Difficult Choice Amid Global Challenges
Many Catholics are hopeful yet cautious. Ricardo Cruz, a Filipino AI specialist visiting Francis’ tomb, said he wished for an Asian pope but above all prayed that the “right pope” would be chosen.
Catholicism is currently navigating global tensions and internal divisions. Roberto Regoli, a Church historian in Rome, stated that cardinals will seek “someone who can forge greater unity.” He warned, however, that the conclave might not be swift.
Although 80% of the voting cardinals were appointed by Francis, it does not guarantee a successor aligned with his vision. Most electors are relatively young and participating in their first conclave.
How the Election Works
Voting takes place in the Sistine Chapel under strict secrecy and tradition. There are two voting sessions each morning and afternoon until a candidate secures a two-thirds majority.
Importantly, fewer than half of the cardinal electors are European, suggesting the possibility of a more diverse choice.
Cardinal Dieudonne Nzapalainga from the Central African Republic stressed that the Church must focus on values, not origin. “We need a courageous leader… capable of offering stability in an era of uncertainty,” he said.
Meanwhile, Patrizia Spotti, an Italian visitor in Rome, said she hoped the new pontiff would embody Francis’ spirit. She acknowledged, however, that Catholicism faces challenges, citing declining church attendance and the impact of past scandals.
The conclave promises to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory — with Catholics worldwide awaiting the choice that will shape the future of their faith.
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Cardinals Meet to Set Date for Pope Francis’ Successor Election