Conclave to choose next pope will start on May 7, Vatican reveals
The conclave to choose the next pope is set to commence on Wednesday, May 7, as confirmed by the Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni. This decision comes after the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, prompting the need for a new leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The Vatican also announced that the Sistine Chapel will be closed to the public starting on Monday, April 28, to facilitate the conclave proceedings.
An estimated 200,000 individuals gathered for a special Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday, led by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state. Parolin delivered a heartfelt homily, reflecting on the loss of Pope Francis and the hope brought by the resurrection.
Cardinal Parolin, a close associate of Pope Francis, is considered one of the potential candidates to succeed him as the next pope. Pope Francis had chosen St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome as his final resting place, near an icon of the Madonna that held significant meaning to him due to its representation of his humble and simple life.
The conclave process, overseen by the camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, typically begins 15 to 20 days after the death of the pope. During the conclave, cardinals participate in a secret ballot to elect the new pope, requiring a two-thirds majority for a successful outcome. The ballots are burned after each round, with black smoke indicating continued voting and white smoke signaling the selection of a new pontiff.
The conclave is a unique process, vastly different from political elections, with the outcome being unpredictable and open to various possibilities. Tim Gabrielli, an expert in Catholic intellectual traditions, emphasized the uncertainty surrounding the conclave and the potential for unexpected results.
As the world awaits the election of the next pope, the atmosphere in Vatican City is filled with anticipation and reverence for the traditions and rituals that accompany this sacred event. The selection of the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church is a momentous occasion that carries significant importance for millions of faithful followers worldwide.
In conclusion, the conclave to choose the next pope is a solemn and sacred event that honors the legacy of Pope Francis while paving the way for a new chapter in the history of the Catholic Church. The process is steeped in tradition and ritual, symbolizing the continuity and stability of the papacy throughout the centuries.
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