A conclave to elect the subsequent pope will begin on Might 7, the Vatican stated on Monday. Scores of cardinals gathered to resolve when cardinal-electors will meet within the Sistine Chapel to vote for a successor to Pope Francis, who died final week at 88.
Solely cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote within the secret poll. Out of the 252 present cardinals, most appointed by Francis, over 130 can vote. A two-thirds majority is required to elect a brand new pope, and cardinals are usually not allowed to go away the conclave till a successor is called, besides in uncommon circumstances.
Typically, the conclave should start 15 to twenty days after the pope’s loss of life. Within the final conclave, Francis was elected in two days.
In the course of the conclave, onlookers watch a chimney atop the Sistine Chapel to know if a brand new pope has been elected. If, after a vote, a two-thirds consensus has not been reached, black smoke is emitted. When a pope has been chosen, the smoke is white.
Source link