Conclave set to choose new leader following the passing of Pope Francis

The Vatican has announced that the conclave to elect a new pope will begin on May 7, following the recent passing of Pope Francis.

The date was set during a closed-door meeting of cardinals on Monday, April 28, their first gathering since Francis’s funeral on Saturday, April 26. The Church’s top dignitaries will soon enter the Sistine Chapel, where they will remain in strict seclusion—cut off from the outside world—until a new pope is chosen.

A two-thirds majority of the 134 cardinals expected to participate is required to elect the next pope, a process that could stretch over several days or even weeks.

While the past two conclaves, in 2005 and 2013, lasted just two days, Swedish Cardinal Anders Arborelius expects this conclave may take longer, given that many of the cardinals appointed by Pope Francis have never met each other before.

Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke and cardiac arrest on Monday, April 21.

His death came as a shock to many, given he had appeared in St. Peter’s Square aboard an open-air popemobile on Easter Sunday, smiling and waving to cheering crowds—an appearance that had suggested his health was improving.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, Francis faced health challenges early in life that deeply shaped his faith. He joined the Jesuits in 1958 and became a priest in 1969. Known for his simple lifestyle and deep connection to everyday people, he served as Archbishop of Buenos Aires from 1998 and was made a cardinal in 2001. Even then, he avoided luxury—taking public transportation, living in a small apartment, and cooking his own meals.

When he was elected pope in 2013, he chose the name Francis, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi—a saint known for his love of the poor and nature. This choice reflected the kind of pope he would be: down-to-earth, deeply spiritual, and focused on serving others.

During his time as Pope, he worked to reform the Catholic Church from the inside. He pushed for more transparency in Vatican finances, made strong efforts to address sexual abuse scandals, and called for justice for survivors. He also opened up conversations on topics like the role of women in the Church and showed a more welcoming tone toward LGBTQ+ individuals, moves that drew both praise and criticism.

Even in his later years, when he faced serious health issues, Pope Francis remained active. He continued to travel and speak out on global issues, from war and poverty to the environment and human dignity.

-with Reuters.