- The papal conclave to elect the 267th pope begins May 7 at the Vatican.
- 135 cardinal electors from 71 countries will participate in the secretive process.
- Over 75% of the electors were appointed by Pope Francis, reflecting his global focus.
- The conclave is expected to last 2–3 days, according to Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako.
- Key debates include whether to choose an insider or outsider as the next pope.
Historic Conclave to Begin on May 7
The Vatican has announced that the conclave to elect the Catholic Church’s 267th pope will commence on May 7. This secretive process will bring together 135 cardinal electors under the age of 80 from 71 countries, tasked with choosing a successor to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88.
The conclave follows the conclusion of the Novemdiales Masses, a nine-day mourning period for the late pope. The process is expected to last only two to three days, according to Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako of Baghdad, who described the atmosphere among the cardinals as “fraternal” and marked by a “spirit of responsibility.”
A Global College of Cardinals
For the first time, the College of Cardinals reflects a less Eurocentric composition, with over 75% of the electors appointed by Pope Francis. This shift aligns with the late pope’s efforts to decentralize the Church and focus on the Global South. Cardinals from countries such as Myanmar, Haiti, and Rwanda will participate in the conclave, representing regions that have historically been underrepresented.
Despite this global diversity, Europe still holds significant influence, with 53 cardinal electors, including 19 from Italy. The Americas collectively contribute 37 electors, while Asia, Africa, and Oceania account for 23, 18, and 4 electors, respectively.
Key Considerations for the Next Pope
The cardinals face a critical decision: whether to elect a Vatican insider familiar with its administrative complexities or an outsider who can continue Pope Francis’ legacy of outreach and reform. Francis, elected in 2013, was considered an outsider, having spent most of his ministry in Argentina. His papacy emphasized global engagement, interfaith dialogue, and addressing issues in regions with smaller Catholic populations.
Some cardinals, like German Cardinal Reinhard Marx, advocate for a “courageous” leader who can connect with people worldwide. Others, such as Italian Cardinal Camillo Ruini, stress the need to focus on the Church’s devout faithful. Additionally, the Church’s financial challenges, including a widening budget shortfall, may influence the decision.
The Role of Speeches and Debates
Leading up to the conclave, the cardinals are meeting in “general congregations” to discuss the Church’s future. These sessions allow individual prelates to present their vision for the papacy. In 2013, then-Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio’s speech on modernizing the Church reportedly played a decisive role in his election as Pope Francis.
Observers note that the cardinals’ choice will likely be influenced by the late pope’s global popularity. The massive turnout for Francis’ funeral, with crowds exceeding 400,000, underscored his ability to connect with people across different cultures and faiths.
Demographics of the Electors
The cardinal electors range in age from 45 to 79, with the youngest being Australian Mikola Bychok and the oldest Spaniard Carlos Osoro Sierra. The group also includes 33 members from religious orders, with the Salesians being the most represented.
This diverse assembly highlights the evolving nature of the Catholic Church, which is increasingly looking beyond traditional European strongholds to address its global mission.
Source: Reuters, ANSA, Vatican News