Vatican sets May 7 for conclave to elect new pope

·

The Vatican has confirmed that the conclave to elect the next pope will begin on May 7, with 135 eligible cardinals expected to gather beneath Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel.

The secretive process follows the funeral of Pope Francis and will see cardinals sequestered between the chapel and Casa Santa Marta, the guesthouse where Francis resided during his papacy.

Though two cardinals may be unable to attend, German Cardinal Reinhard Marx said he expects the conclave to last “just a few days”. However, Swedish Cardinal Anders Arborelius, a possible contender, suggested voting could take longer, noting, “we don’t know each other.”

Pope Francis appointed 80% of the electors, including 20 made cardinals as recently as December, many from countries new to the College of Cardinals, such as Myanmar, Haiti, and Rwanda.

Photo: AP File.

Cardinal Gualtiero Bassetti described a “good atmosphere” and “strong feeling of cohesion” among participants, saying, “the conclave can offer a beautiful testimony in this world full of war, division and rancour.”

Cardinals visited Francis’s tomb at Santa Maria Maggiore on Sunday. Bassetti described the return bus ride as having a “beautiful, fraternal atmosphere.”

Europe leads in representation with 53 voting cardinals, followed by Asia (23), Africa (18), South America (17), North America (16), and smaller groups from Central America and Oceania.

There is no clear frontrunner, though early speculation includes reformist Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle and Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

Source: Guardian.

greek film festival melbourne

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

The man for all jobs: How a Greek migrant turned setbacks into 7-figure success

When Christof Mantzanas stepped off the plane in Melbourne on 10 March 2015, he had just $1,000 in his pocket.

Jimmy’s Kitchen brings authentic Greek hospitality to The Rocks

Sydney diners can now experience the warmth, flavour, and soul of a traditional Greek taverna without the flight to Greece.

Greek Community of Melbourne enhances safety with defibrillator training seminar

The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) took a notable step towards enhancing community safety by organising a defibrillator training seminar.

Wills without the Trojan War

After nearly 15 years in the legal industry, I’ve lost track of how many matters I’ve worked on involving family disputes over estates.

From tech to health: Greek Australians driving innovation in 2025

Australia’s Top 100 Innovators celebrate those who turn setbacks into breakthroughs. This year, three Greek Australians are among them.

You May Also Like

Greek glamour meets Aussie pop: Inside the colourful universe of Stavroula Adameitis

Adelaide-born designer Stavroula Adameitis is a creator of bespoke pieces that she describes as ‘wearable art.’

Princess Kako of Japan visits Greece to celebrate 125 years of diplomatic relations

Princess Kako of Japan is on an official visit to Greece to mark the 125th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Cretan churches and their emotional echoes: Olympia Nelson to give Melbourne seminar

While primarily iconographic, the lecture situates these works within Olympia’s broader investigation of emotion in Byzantium.