Vatican Sets May 7 for Conclave to Elect New Pope

The Vatican has announced that the conclave to elect a successor to the late Pope Francis will begin on May 7. This was disclosed by Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni following a closed-door meeting of the College of Cardinals.

Pope Francis passed away on April 26, and cardinals have since begun daily meetings—known as general congregations—to prepare for the election. These discussions focus on the direction the Catholic Church should take: continuing the late pope's reformist vision or adopting a new path.

While no clear frontrunner has emerged, 135 cardinals under age 80 are eligible to vote, with 80% appointed by Francis. The conclave’s outcome remains unpredictable, adding suspense to the centuries-old process.