Catholic Cardinals Begin Preparations for Papal Conclave Following Pope Francis’ Funeral
Catholic cardinals convened on Monday for their first meeting since the funeral of Pope Francis, beginning discussions to determine the date for the conclave that will select the next head of the Roman Catholic Church.
A formal announcement about the conclave date is expected around midday (1000 GMT), though Vatican officials indicated that the election itself likely won’t begin until after May 6.
The Sistine Chapel, the traditional venue for the conclave, was closed to the public on Monday to make way for preparations required for the confidential voting process.
Unlike the last two conclaves in 2005 and 2013, which were both concluded within two days, this election might take longer to finalize.
Swedish Cardinal Anders Arborelius pointed out that many of the roughly 135 cardinal-electors β those under 80 and eligible to vote β have never met in person, largely because Pope Francis prioritized appointing cardinals from regions previously underrepresented in Vatican leadership, including countries like Myanmar, Haiti, and Rwanda.
“We are unfamiliar with each other,” Arborelius said, reflecting on Francis’ commitment to broadening the Church’s global profile.
Pope Francis, who served as pontiff from 2013 until his passing at the age of 88 on April 21, was laid to rest on Saturday following a funeral and procession attended by over 400,000 people in Rome.
Speaking to La Repubblica newspaper, German Cardinal Walter Kasper said the enormous turnout highlighted a strong desire among Catholics for the next pope to continue the reforms initiated by Francis.
“The People of God have made their wishes known through their presence,” Kasper stated. “I firmly believe we must continue along the path that Francis paved.”
However, the upcoming conclave is likely to reveal divisions within the Church. A group of conservative cardinals is expected to push for a more traditional leader, one who might slow or reverse Francis’ vision of a more inclusive and open Church.
The global community will closely monitor the outcome of the conclave as the Catholic Church faces a crucial decision: to uphold the legacy of its first Latin American pope or to return to a more traditional course.
