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Tengrinews.kz – The date for the conclave has been set in the Vatican. The election of the new pope will begin on May 7, according to Euronews.
The date was determined during a closed meeting of cardinals, the Vatican explained. A nine-day mourning period precedes the official start of the conclave.
Preparations for the conclave have already begun in the Sistine Chapel, where the cardinal-electors will gather. One of the main tasks is installing the chimney through which the traditional smoke signals — black or white — will announce the results of the voting.
When the time comes, the cardinals, dressed in red robes, will solemnly enter the chapel and participate in the secret process, traditionally believed to be guided by the Holy Spirit.
For the first time in church history, European cardinal-electors will not make up the majority at the conclave. Out of 135 cardinals under the age of 80 — those eligible to vote according to apostolic constitution — 108 were appointed by Pope Francis.
Europe will account for 39.2 percent of the electors, compared to 52 percent during the 2013 conclave.
The election will indicate whether the Church will continue along the path of reforms initiated by Pope Francis — focusing on the poor, the environment, and social justice — or shift back toward a more doctrinally conservative direction similar to the papacy of Benedict XVI.
The backdrop for the meetings will be the Sistine Chapel, filled with masterpieces by Michelangelo and other Renaissance artists.
At the start of the conclave, the cardinals will chant the Litany of the Saints — a solemn Gregorian chant invoking the intercession of the saints — and swear an oath of secrecy.
Then the chapel doors will be closed, and the Master of Ceremonies will proclaim “extra omnes” ("everyone out"), marking the beginning of the voting.
The secrecy of the conclave is meant to shield the election from external influence.
Black smoke rising from the chimney will indicate an inconclusive vote, while white smoke accompanied by the ringing of bells will confirm that a new pope has been elected. Up to four voting rounds may be held each day.
Pope Francis was buried on Saturday, April 26, in the papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. The funeral Mass at St. Peter’s Square gathered world leaders and hundreds of thousands of mourners.
Read more about who and how the new pope will be elected here.
