Conclave Preparations Underway for Pope Francis' Successor

Following Pope Francis' death, Catholic cardinals have begun preparations for the conclave that will elect the next pope, anticipated to start in early May after a nine-day mourning period. This conclave is notable for the unprecedented diversity among the cardinal electors, many of whom have never met due to Francis' global appointments, complicating traditional alliances and speculation. The process will unfold in the Sistine Chapel under strict secrecy, with cardinals required to achieve a two-thirds majority through secret ballots. Major issues at stake include whether to continue Francis' reformist, inclusive legacy or to shift back toward traditional doctrine, with both progressive and conservative factions maneuvering in the lead-up to the vote. Informal discussions and political positioning among cardinals are already underway as they assess the future direction of the Church and consider the needs of its 1.4 billion followers. The outcome is expected to be closely watched worldwide, given the significant divisions and the Church’s global reach.