Vatican Announces Start Date for Conclave to Choose Next Pope

The Vatican has officially confirmed that the conclave responsible for selecting the next pope will commence on Wednesday, May 7. This announcement came from papal spokesman Matteo Bruni on Monday, following the recent death of Pope Francis on April 21.

In addition to the date, the Vatican has informed the public that the Sistine Chapel will remain closed starting April 28, 2025. This is to accommodate the necessary preparations and proceedings related to the conclave.

Public Mourning and Commemorative Mass

An estimated 200,000 attendees participated in a special Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica last Sunday, officiated by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state. This gathering highlighted the profound impact of Pope Francis’s passing.

During his homily, Parolin expressed the collective grief felt by the faithful. He reflected on the loss, stating, “The shepherd whom the Lord gave to his people, Pope Francis, has ended his earthly life and has left us. The grief at his departure, the sense of sadness that assails us, the turmoil we feel in our hearts, the sense of bewilderment: we are experiencing all of this, like the apostles grieving over the death of Jesus. Yet, the Gospel tells us that it is precisely in these moments of darkness that the Lord comes to us with the light of the resurrection, to illuminate our hearts.”

Potential Candidates for the Papacy

Cardinal Parolin, a close collaborator of the late pope, is among the likely candidates to succeed Pope Francis. In discussions about the upcoming conclave, the role of the camerlengo, currently held by Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, will be pivotal in organizing the event.

The Process of the Conclave

The conclave is typically convened between 15 to 20 days following the death of a pope. Throughout this process, cardinals engage in a series of secret ballot votes to elect the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church. A two-thirds majority is required to secure the position.

After each voting session, the completed ballots are read aloud and subsequently burned. The ashes of these ballots serve a dual purpose: they inform audiences worldwide and onlookers in St. Peter’s Square about the progress of the election.

Voting Indicators at the Vatican

As voting occurs, distinct smoke signals emerge from the Sistine Chapel. Black smoke indicates that voting is still in progress and that a decision has yet to be reached. Conversely, the appearance of white smoke confirms the election of a new pope.

This ceremonial display has become a long-standing tradition, drawing attention from both supporters and curious onlookers alike, eager for updates on this significant moment in the Catholic Church’s history.

Expert Insights on the Conclave

Tim Gabrielli, an associate professor and the Gudorf chair in Catholic intellectual traditions at the University of Dayton, shared insights regarding the forthcoming conclave. He emphasized the unpredictability inherent in the process, stating that “anything could happen” during this pivotal time.

Reflecting on Pope Francis’s Legacy

The late pope’s burial site, as chosen by him, is located in St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome, positioned near an icon of the Madonna that he held in high regard. The archbishop associated with the basilica remarked that this choice reflects Pope Francis’s “humble, simple and essential” life, which resonated with many followers.

In light of this significant transition, the global Catholic community stands at a crossroads, reflecting on the legacy of Pope Francis and the direction in which the next pope will lead the Church.

The contributions from Fox News’ Danielle Wallace, Gabriele Regalbuto, Courtney Walsh-Annesi, and the Associated Press enriched this report.