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Pope Francis’ Funeral and Upcoming Conclave for New Papacy
The Vatican has announced that a conclave to elect the next pope will begin in early May, following the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88 on Easter Monday.
The closed session will commence inside the Sistine Chapel on May 7, gathering approximately 135 cardinals from around the globe. This event takes place after Pope Francis’ funeral was held on Saturday, which was attended by numerous world leaders and dignitaries.
While there is no defined timeframe for the election process, past conclaves in 2005 and 2013 were completed within two days. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed that the cardinals will participate in a solemn mass at St. Peter’s Basilica before starting the voting process in the Sistine Chapel.
During the conclave, cardinals will be isolated from the external world until a new pope is selected. The initial voting occurs on the first day, with one round, increasing to up to four votes daily in subsequent days. Achieving a two-thirds majority is necessary to elect the new pope, which may prolong the process.
Each participating cardinal votes using a card that states in Latin: “I elect as Supreme Pontiff,” followed by their chosen candidate’s name. If three days pass without a decision, the cardinals may observe a day dedicated to prayer.
Outside the chapel, onlookers will eagerly await the telltale smoke signals from the chimney: black smoke indicates a further voting round, while white smoke signifies a new pope has been elected.
Pope Francis’ Legacy Honored During His Funeral
Pope Francis’ funeral attracted a large crowd, including political leaders and members of royalty, as it was held in St. Peter’s Square. The ceremony involved hymns played through large speakers, occasionally disrupted by helicopter noise, with 91-year-old Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re delivering a homily focusing on the pope’s enduring legacy.
Following the service, a significant procession took place, with crowds gathering to witness the Pope’s coffin being transported to its final resting place at Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica. Authorities reported that around 140,000 people filled the streets, applauding as the hearse—a repurposed white popemobile—traversed iconic Roman landmarks, including the Colosseum and the Forum.
Images released on Sunday depicted Pope Francis’s tomb, showcasing a solitary white rose resting on the stone bearing the name under which he served, illuminated beneath a single spotlight.
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www.bbc.com