In a highly anticipated event, the Vatican has confirmed that cardinals will meet next month to elect a new pope behind the closed doors of the Sistine Chapel. The conclave, starting May 7, follows the death of Pope Francis, whose funeral last Saturday drew massive crowds and global dignitaries to St. Peter’s Square.
The voting process is both meticulous and mysterious. Approximately 135 cardinals will participate, first attending a Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica before sequestering themselves for the election. Cut off from all outside contact, they will cast ballots inscribed with the Latin phrase “Eligo in Summum Pontificem” (“I elect as Supreme Pontiff”). A two-thirds majority is needed to declare a winner, and while past conclaves have been swift, there is no set timeline for the decision.
The world will look to the Sistine Chapel’s chimney for the telltale smoke signals—black for indecision, white for a new pope. If no consensus emerges after three days, the cardinals may take a break for reflection.
Pope Francis was laid to rest at Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, his tomb marked by a single white rose and bathed in soft light. As the Church enters this period of transition, the faithful around the globe await the rise of white smoke and the announcement of a new spiritual leader.
