Conclave to Select Pope Francis' Successor Begins May 7

Following the death of Pope Francis at age 88, the Vatican has entered a nine-day period of mourning known as Novemdiales, featuring daily masses and prayers in his honor. His funeral, attended by hundreds of thousands, was held at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, per his wishes, rather than the traditional papal tombs. The sede vacante period has begun, temporarily transferring administrative authority to Cardinal Kevin Farrell, while preparations for the papal conclave proceed. The conclave, set to begin May 7, will gather 135 cardinals under age 80 in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope through secret ballots, with the process potentially lasting longer than the brief 2013 conclave. Despite speculation that Pope Francis’s appointees will ensure continuity, historical precedent suggests the next pope may differ significantly from his predecessor, as outcomes have often been unpredictable. Potential successors being discussed include Cardinal Matteo Zuppi and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, but the outcome remains uncertain.