The world’s Catholic cardinals have convened in Rome for the first time since the funeral of Pope Francis, beginning crucial discussions about when to start the secret conclave that will elect the next leader of the global Church.
On Monday, the cardinals met to debate a possible start date for the conclave, with an official announcement expected around mid-day (1000 GMT). Sources suggest the voting process likely won’t begin before May 6. In preparation, the 16th-century Sistine Chapel—where the conclave traditionally takes place—was closed to tourists to allow for necessary arrangements.
Historically, recent conclaves in 2005 and 2013 lasted only two days. However, Swedish Cardinal Anders Arborelius warned this time could be different. Many cardinals appointed by Pope Francis come from regions historically underrepresented in the Church, such as Myanmar, Rwanda, and Haiti. As a result, Arborelius noted, many of the 135 cardinals under 80 years old who are eligible to vote have never met each other before, possibly extending the time needed to reach a decision.
Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 on April 21, led the Catholic Church from 2013 with a focus on reform, inclusion, and opening dialogue on topics previously considered taboo—such as the ordination of women and outreach to the LGBTQ community. His funeral on April 26 drew an enormous crowd, with estimates suggesting over 400,000 people gathered in Rome to pay their final respects.
The strong turnout at his funeral sends a powerful message about the direction many Catholics hope the Church will continue. German Cardinal Walter Kasper, speaking to La Repubblica newspaper, said the massive public presence showed support for Francis’ efforts to modernize the Church.
“The People of God voted with their feet,” Kasper said. At 92 years old, he will not participate in the conclave but emphasized that the Church should “go ahead in the footsteps of Francis.”
Still, not everyone agrees. A number of conservative cardinals are expected to advocate for a return to traditional Church teachings, resisting Francis’ progressive reforms. This ideological divide could play a major role in the upcoming selection process, influencing both how long it takes and the type of pope the Church ultimately elects.
As the cardinals prepare for what could be a pivotal conclave, Catholics around the world wait in anticipation. Will the Church continue the inclusive vision Francis championed, or will it choose a path that leans back toward tradition? The next few weeks will be critical in shaping the future of Catholicism.
