Papal Conclave: Cardinals to gather on 7 May to elect new pope, Vatican says | World News
The Vatican has announced that a secret meeting to choose the next pope will begin on 7 May, according to BBC News.
Around 135 cardinals from across the world will gather inside the Sine Chapel for the closed-door meeting, called a conclave. It follows the death of Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88. His funeral was held on Saturday.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni, speaking to BBC News, said the cardinals will first take part in a special Mass at St Peter’s Basilica. After that, they will move to the Sine Chapel where the voting will begin.
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The cardinals must cut all communication with the outside world once they are inside. On the first day, there will be only one round of voting. After that, there can be up to four rounds each day until a new pope is elected.
To win, a candidate needs a two-thirds majority. BBC News explains that if no decision is reached after three days, the cardinals may stop for a day of prayer before continuing.
Each cardinal writes their choice on a simple ballot card with the Latin phrase: “I elect as Supreme Pontiff”, followed the name of their chosen candidate.
Outside, people around the world will watch the chimney of the Sine Chapel. Black smoke will mean no pope has been chosen yet, while white smoke will show that a new pope has been elected.Story continues below this ad
Pope Francis’ funeral, was attended world leaders, royalty, and thousands of mourners in St Peter’s Square. Hymns filled the air, occasionally interrupted the noise of helicopters.
Cardinal Giovanni Batta Re, aged 91, gave a homily remembering the Pope’s life and work. After the service, a huge crowd of about 140,000 people lined the streets of Rome as Pope Francis’ coffin was taken to Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica for his final resting place.
The coffin travelled past some of Rome’s most famous landmarks, including the Colosseum and the Forum.
On Sunday, photos of the Pope’s tomb were released, showing a single white rose placed on the stone that bears his papal name, with a crucifix lit a spotlight above.
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