The conclave is set to begin on May 7th.
After Pope Francis passed away last week at the age of 88, Catholics around the world are eagerly waiting to find out who the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church will be.
The conclave to elect the next pope is set to begin on May 7th in Vatican City. Cardinals from around the globe have until then to discuss and campaign.
Pope Francis represented a monumental shift towards humility and tolerance for the church – a shift that some cardinals would seek to undo.
The Catholic Church faces a pivotal moment in which the next pope could either forge ahead on Francis’ path or return the institution to take a more traditional stance in the world.
A conclave generally must begin 15 to 20 days after the pope’s death. In 2013, Francis was elected in just two days.
On May 7th, cardinals will meet for Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica and will then return to the Sistine Chapel to vote for Francis’ successor.
The word “conclave” derives from Latin, “with key”, referring to the isolation cardinals experience during the electoral process.
Cardinals have been gathering in Vatican City since Francis’ death to work out the logistical details of his funeral and mourning. They have also been discussing major issues facing the church and planning the papal conclave.
On Monday, cardinals discussed sexual abuse in the church, evangelization, and the church’s relationship with the world and other religions.
About 100 of the roughly 130 cardinals, those under the age of 80, participated in the meetings. They are eligible to vote in the secret ballot participated in the meetings.
More cardinals are expected to arrive in Rome in the coming days leading up to the conclave.
During a papal conclave, spectators gather outside to watch a chimney atop the Sistine Chapel. The color of the chimney’s smoke reveals whether a new pope has been elected.
If consensus has not been reached after a vote, black smoke is sent up. The smoke is white when the next pontiff has been chosen among the cardinals.
Until a pope is chosen, Catholics around the world will be watching the chimney for the white smoke that will determine the direction of one of the world’s oldest institutions.
