New Pope’s Conclave Date To Be Selected By Cardinals Today

Red-hatted cardinals are expected to set a date on Monday for the next conclave to elect a new pope. This follows the burial of Pope Francis, the beloved leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.

Since the pope’s death on April 21, dozens of “Princes of the Church” have gathered at the Vatican. However, little is known about who might emerge as the next leader.

Spanish Cardinal Jose Cobo noted the unpredictability of this election. Speaking to El País newspaper on Sunday, he said, “If Francis was the pope of surprises, this conclave will be too.” In past elections, the frontrunners were often clearer. This time, many cardinals come from outside Europe, and some have never even met.

Pope Francis was laid to rest on Saturday. His funeral attracted a massive crowd of 400,000 people, including world leaders, royalty, and ordinary faithful. His burial took place at the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome, in line with his humble wishes to be laid to rest outside Vatican walls. On Sunday, even larger crowds visited his marble tomb to pay their respects.

Who Could Be the Next Pope?

With global conflicts and political crises ongoing, many eyes are on Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin. As Francis’s Secretary of State, he played a crucial role during his papacy. Bookmakers like William Hill place Parolin slightly ahead of other contenders.

Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, the former Archbishop of Manila, follows closely behind. Ghana’s Cardinal Peter Turkson is also a strong contender. Other names gaining attention include Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem; Guinea’s Cardinal Robert Sarah; and Matteo Zuppi, the Archbishop of Bologna.

A Divided Church Faces a Critical Choice

While Pope Francis earned admiration for promoting a compassionate and inclusive Church, he also faced opposition. His reforms, especially around social issues, upset many conservatives, notably in the United States and Africa.

Roberto Regoli, a professor at Rome’s Pontifical Gregorian University, spoke to AFP about the task ahead. “The cardinals must find someone who can unite the Church,” he explained. With polarisation rising within Catholicism, he warned the conclave might not be swift.

Since Francis’s passing, the cardinals have been holding general congregations. These meetings handle matters related to the funeral and upcoming elections. On Monday at 9:00 am (0700 GMT), they will hold their fifth meeting. Many expect them to announce the conclave date then.

Experts suggest the conclave could begin around May 5 or 6, following the traditional nine days of mourning, ending on May 4.

Despite differing opinions, the atmosphere has remained peaceful. Italian Cardinal Giuseppe Versaldi told La Repubblica on Sunday, “There is more spirituality than politics. It is a climate of openness.”

Currently, there are 252 cardinals worldwide. However, only 135 are under the age of 80 and eligible to vote. Interestingly, about 80 per cent of these voting cardinals were appointed by Pope Francis himself. Yet, this doesn’t guarantee they will elect someone just like him.

READ ALSO: 18 African Cardinals Selected to Vote for New Pope

Many of the voters are relatively young and experiencing their first conclave. This could influence how the process unfolds.

The election will take place in the Sistine Chapel, under Michelangelo’s iconic 16th-century frescoed ceiling. The process is highly secretive, steeped in strict traditions and ceremonies.

Voting happens four times daily — twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon. To win, a candidate must secure a two-thirds majority. The process could last several days or even longer, depending on how consensus forms.

Notably, fewer than half of the cardinal electors are from Europe. This global diversity reflects the modern face of Catholicism.

Cardinal Dieudonné Nzapalainga from the Central African Republic shared his vision with Il Messaggero. He emphasised, “The future pope must have a universal heart. Love all continents. We must not look at colour or origin but at the vision they propose.”

He added, “We need a courageous, bold leader. Someone who can steer the Church firmly, even through storms. Stability is essential in these uncertain times.”

As Catholics worldwide pray and wait, the conclave promises to shape the Church’s path for generations to come.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Content Credit| Ajibola Emmanuel 

Image Credit| theconversation.com