Vatican conclave begins May 7: Two cardinals absent due to health
Two cardinals, who have the right to participate in the upcoming conclave, will not be attending. The meeting, which will conclude only when white smoke rises over the Vatican to indicate the selection of Pope Francis' successor, will be attended by 120 cardinals.
What do you need to know?
- The conclave will begin on May 7 at St. Peter's Basilica. A Mass for the intention of electing a new pope will be held at 10:00 AM. Details were provided on Tuesday.
- Two cardinal electors will not participate in the conclave due to health reasons, preventing them from taking part in the election of a new pope.
- A prayer in the Pauline Chapel will start at 4:30 PM, initiating the procession to the Sistine Chapel where voting will occur.
What challenges does the Church face?
As reported by "Vatican News," during the sixth general congregation of cardinals on Tuesday, 20 speeches addressed the challenges facing the Church. Among the 183 cardinals in attendance, 120 are electors. On Tuesday, they discussed pressing issues within the Church that require urgent solutions, and on May 7, they will start the election of a pope.
What does the absence of cardinals mean for the conclave?
The absence of two cardinal electors—Antonio Canizares Llovera and Vinko Puljić—has been noted by "Vatican News," though it did not provide specific details about their indisposition. This situation might influence the final decisions regarding the successor to the late Francis.
What are the next steps in the process of electing a pope?
The conclave is set to commence on May 7, starting with a prayer in the Pauline Chapel. At 10:00 AM, a Mass at St. Peter's Basilica will be celebrated for the purpose of selecting a pope, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals.
Afterward, the procession will move to the Sistine Chapel, formally starting the voting process. The election of a new pope is a critical moment for the Church, and its outcome will significantly impact the future of the Catholic community.
