Catholic cardinals have scheduled May 7 as the start date for the conclave to elect the successor to Pope Francis, allowing for extra days of informal meetings before they are sequestered inside the Sistine Chapel for the secret vote.
The decision, announced Monday after the first round of discussions following Pope Francis’ funeral, reflects a desire to build consensus among the diverse group of cardinals.
While the conclave could have begun as early as May 5, the two-day delay gives voting cardinals more time to meet informally with their older, non-voting counterparts — cardinals over age 80 — before the voting begins.
“There is the hope of unity,” said Cardinal Ángel Sixto Rossi of Argentina, appointed by Francis in 2023. Rossi echoed the sentiments of many cardinals who wish to continue Francis’ emphasis on outreach to the marginalized and peace-building.
However, conservative voices are pushing for a shift back toward traditional doctrine, a focus championed by Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI.
British Cardinal Vincent Nichols, archbishop of Westminster, stressed the need for unity, saying, “The role of the pope is to essentially hold us together and that’s the grace we’ve been given from God.” Meanwhile, Venezuelan Cardinal Baltazar Enrique Porras Cardozo predicted the conclave would likely produce a new pope within two or three days.
The College of Cardinals reflects the global reach Francis cultivated during his 12-year papacy. Many cardinals come from regions previously underrepresented at the Vatican, and many have not spent significant time in Rome, raising concerns about whether they know each other well enough to reach a quick consensus.
Of the 135 voting-age cardinals, 108 were appointed by Francis, with 20 created just last December. Only those under 80 are eligible to vote, though not all 135 are guaranteed to attend — a Spanish cardinal has already declined due to health issues.
One unresolved issue is whether Cardinal Angelo Becciu will be allowed to participate. Once a high-ranking official in the Vatican, Becciu was forced to resign in 2020 amid allegations of financial misconduct.
He was convicted by a Vatican court in December 2023 and is appealing the verdict. Though Becciu has participated in the pre-conclave meetings, Vatican records currently list him as a “non-elector.” Discussions about his status continued Monday without a clear resolution.
– Potential Successors and Regional Influence
Although Francis shaped the college by appointing a majority of its members, it’s unclear whether his priorities will dominate the election. Journalists swarmed any cardinal spotted near St. Peter’s Square, eager for hints about the mood inside. Italian Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, seen as a frontrunner, humorously told reporters he was “holding his breath” amid the media frenzy.
African cardinals could play a significant role in shaping the outcome. Nigerian Cardinal John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan, who at 81 cannot vote but can still influence discussions, said African cardinals had no coordinated plan but emphasized their desire for a faithful and unifying leader.
African bishops had notably opposed Francis’ move to allow blessings for same-sex couples, potentially signaling resistance to more progressive candidates.
Indian Cardinal Anthony Poola, archbishop of Hyderabad and one of four Indian electors, expressed cautious optimism, stating, “Anyone who is coming up must be the successor of St. Peter, and we all hope that he will be a good pope.”
Latin American voices also emphasized continuity. Cardinal Rossi from Argentina said he hoped Francis’ legacy of “mercy, closeness, charity, tenderness, and faith” would guide the selection of the new pontiff. However, when asked about his own feelings ahead of participating in his first conclave, he responded with laughter: “Afraid.”
The next few days will be critical as the Church’s leadership works to find unity in a time of transition, aiming to select a pope who can guide Catholics worldwide through an increasingly divided global landscape.