Cardinals have confirmed that the conclave to select the next pope will start on May 7, allowing extra time for informal discussions and to build consensus on a candidate before the secret voting begins. This decision follows their initial meetings on Monday after Pope Francis’ funeral on Saturday, where questions about the atmosphere and unity within the group were raised.
Although the conclave could have started earlier, the additional days will enable the cardinals, including those over 80 who cannot participate in the voting, to engage in more casual sessions. Argentine Cardinal Ángel Sixto Rossi expressed hope for a unified approach to selecting the new pope, with many cardinals emphasizing the desire to continue Pope Francis’ focus on marginalized communities and peace. However, some conservatives may prefer a shift back to the core teachings that previous popes like John Paul II and Benedict XVI emphasized.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols from Britain stressed the importance of unity within the church. At the same time, Venezuelan Cardinal Baltazar Enrique Porras Cardozo suggested that the election process might be quick, potentially lasting just two or three days once the conclave officially begins.
The 135 cardinals who will vote in the conclave include representatives from across the globe, many of whom were appointed by Pope Francis to bring diverse perspectives. However, some cardinals have not spent much time in Rome with their colleagues, creating some uncertainty in the election process. Although it’s unclear how many cardinals will participate, some may be absent due to health issues. The situation surrounding Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who was removed from his Vatican position in 2020 due to financial misconduct charges, remains unresolved, as his eligibility to vote is still being debated.
Attention is now focused on potential candidates. Italian Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, one of the frontrunners, joked with reporters as he made his way through the crowd outside the Vatican. Meanwhile, African cardinals like Nigerian Cardinal John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan emphasized their goal of electing a pope rather than engaging in political debates. Onaiyekan, though too old to vote, can still influence the younger electors.
Indian Cardinal Anthony Poola expressed a sense of unity among the cardinals but acknowledged the uncertainty of the outcome. He emphasized that the next pope should reflect the qualities of St. Peter. Cardinal Rossi also expressed hope that Pope Francis’ legacy of mercy, charity, and faith would guide their decision, though he admitted to feeling nervous about his first conclave experience.
