Vatican's secretive conclave to pick next Pope starts May 7
[VATICAN CITY] The Vatican's cardinals' assembly, known as the General Congregation, has chosen May 7 as the starting date for the highly secretive election that will choose the next pope, the Holy See said on Monday (Apr 28).
More than 100 senior clergy members will take part in a conclave to cast ballots for the pontiff to succeed Pope Francis, who died on April 21. They'll meet in the Sistine Chapel for a closely watched election whose outcome is highly unpredictable.
The participants won't be allowed to leave or communicate with the outside world until they've reached an agreement. The process could take days.
Under canon law, only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote. Discussions and four rounds of balloting will take place each day until a candidate receives two-thirds of the votes.
Meanwhile, millions of Roman Catholics will be left guessing until the traditional white smoke – signalling the choice of a new pope – is seen over the Vatican.
High-profile cardinals considered as possible candidates include Pietro Parolin, an Italian who serves as the Vatican's secretary of state and is known for his diplomatic skills.
Speculation has also surrounded the possibility of the first ever US-born pope, with Raymond Leo Burke, a one-time archbishop of St Louis and an ardent critic of Francis, seen as a possible contender.
Peter Turkson, a Ghanaian known for relatively liberal views on social justice and human rights, could also be considered, as could Philippines-born Luis Tagle, an advocate for enhanced inclusivity.
Still, based on historical precedents, the process is likely to be highly unpredictable. BLOOMBERG
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