The College of Cardinals has set May 7 as the date to start the election for the 267th pope, after the death and burial of Pope Francis.
This was announced on Monday, April 28, after a meeting at the Vatican. It marks the final step in choosing the new pope.
The election, called the conclave, will happen in the famous Sistine Chapel, where 134 cardinals under the age of 80 will vote under Michelangelo’s paintings.
Following tradition, the cardinals will first hold a special Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. Then, they will walk to the chapel while singing a hymn to ask for the Holy Spirit’s help.
Inside the chapel, each cardinal will promise to keep everything secret and vote for the person they believe should lead the Church. The doors will be locked until a new pope is chosen. To win, a candidate must get at least 90 votes (two-thirds majority).
Most of the cardinals are already in Rome, and the few left are expected soon. The May 7 date follows the Church’s tradition of waiting 15–20 days after a pope’s death, to allow time for mourning and travel.
People around the world will watch the chapel’s chimney: black smoke means no pope has been chosen yet; white smoke means a new pope has been elected.
This election is special because Pope Francis had appointed 108 of the 134 voting cardinals, bringing more diversity from different parts of the world.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who leads the College of Cardinals, will guide the election process, which is expected to be one of the most globally diverse in the Church’s history.
