Conclave to Elect Pope Francis’s Successor Set for May 7

Vatican City: The Conclave to elect the successor of Pope Francis is slated to commence on May 7, as announced by Vatican Press Office Director Matteo Bruni on Monday. The date was determined during a congregation of cardinals, who are responsible for choosing the new leader of the Catholic Church.

According to Ansa News Agency, approximately 180-190 cardinals were in attendance at the congregation. Among them, around 100 are cardinal electors, under the age of 80, and eligible to participate in the conclave. Out of a total of 135 cardinal electors, 134 will be involved in selecting the 267th leader of the global Catholic community, which comprises over 1.4 billion members, as one has been excluded due to ill health.

The Vatican Museums have announced that the Sistine Chapel, the venue for the conclave, is now closed to the public starting Monday. The initial vote is scheduled for the afternoon of May 7, with the outcome signaled by the traditional smoke plume – black indicating no election, and white signifying the selection of a new pope. Historically, recent conclaves have concluded within a few days.