**Cardinals Announce Start Date for Papal Conclave as Vatican Prepares for New Era**
The Catholic Church has entered a period of anticipation and reflection as its cardinals have formally announced that the conclave to elect a new Pope will commence on May 7th. The decision comes just days after the funeral of Pope Francis, an event that drew mourners and praise for a pontiff known for championing the marginalised and for his openness to social justice.
This period leading up to the conclave is critical. Unlike previous papal elections, this group of 135 cardinal electors, many of whom were appointed by Francis himself, are not all familiar with one another. In response, the start of the conclave has been postponed by two days. This delay is intended to afford the cardinals additional time to foster relationships and seek consensus before they are secluded behind the doors of the Sistine Chapel for the secret proceedings.
At the Vatican, journalists gathered in large numbers in St. Peter’s Square, attempting to gauge the mood among the cardinals and speculate on possible future directions for the Church. Reporters pressed cardinals on the prospects of unity within the Church and whether divisions between progressive and conservative factions might shape the election.
Argentine Cardinal Ángel Sixto Rossi, aged 66 and appointed by Francis last year, expressed hope that the coming days would be characterised by a spirit of unity. He highlighted a shared commitment among many cardinals to maintain the Church’s pastoral focus on uplifting the marginalised and those suffering from violence, echoing the legacy of Francis. However, conservative voices within the College of Cardinals appear keen to return to traditional doctrines, reminiscent of the eras of St John Paul II and Benedict XVI.
British Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the Archbishop of Westminster and a well-respected voice within the College, emphasised that the primary role of the Pope is to bind the Church together. Speaking to journalists, Cardinal Nichols downplayed any suggestion of serious infighting, underscoring what he described as “the grace of unity that comes from God.” Nevertheless, he acknowledged that many of the electors were relatively unacquainted, especially the twenty newly created cardinals from December.
Among the logistical uncertainties is the eligibility of Italian Cardinal Angelo Becciu, formerly one of the most influential Vatican officials. Forced to resign by Pope Francis in 2020 over allegations of financial misconduct, Cardinal Becciu was later convicted by the Vatican’s criminal court. While he is appealing the verdict and has attended pre-conclave meetings, Vatican lists now label him a “non-elector.” The question of whether he will be permitted to participate in the secret ballot remains unresolved, with canon lawyers poring over the Church’s internal regulations for clarity.
The College of Cardinals preparing to elect the new leader is now more global than ever, a result of Francis’s policy to bring in diverse viewpoints from across continents. While this inclusivity has broadened representation, it has also introduced an element of unpredictability. Many cardinals have spent little time together in Rome, and it remains to be seen how quickly they might unite behind a single candidate—the process requires a two-thirds majority.
There is also speculation about candidate blocs forming along regional or ideological lines. For example, some observers note that Africa’s 18 cardinal electors could play a crucial role in determining the outcome, especially following last year’s collective rejection of Francis’s initiative to bless same-sex couples. However, Nigerian Cardinal John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan, though too old to vote, insists that the conclave is not a political contest but a solemn quest to choose the next Vicar of Christ.
Indian Cardinal Anthony Poola, representing one of four electors from the subcontinent (three named by Francis), acknowledged the unpredictability inherent in the papal election. However, he expressed hope for a Pope who would truly embody the spirit of St Peter.
As preparations continue, many cardinals voice gratitude for the legacy of Francis, with Cardinal Rossi expressing the hope that principles of mercy, compassion, and faith will guide them in their deliberations. Still, the immense responsibility of electing a spiritual leader for 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide is not lost on those involved. “Afraid,” Cardinal Rossi admitted, summing up the awe and gravity that surround this historic process.
As May 7th approaches, global attention will focus on Vatican City, where old traditions, spiritual reflection and modern pressures converge, and where the course of the Catholic Church’s future will soon be set.