Voting for the Election of Pope Francis' Successor to Begin on May 7

Voting for the Election of Pope Francis' Successor to Begin on May 7

Vatican City, April 28 – According to a report by AP, Catholic Cardinals have set the date for the conclave to elect the successor of Pope Francis. The date was fixed on Monday, two days before the secret voting begins, allowing time for the Cardinals to get to know each other and come to a consensus on the candidate before the conclave starts.

The date for the conclave was set during the first official meeting on Monday following Pope Francis' funeral. Journalists asked whether there was unity among the Catholic Cardinals before the vote and whether any unrest would occur during the secret ballot.

The conclave was initially planned to start on May 5, but an additional two days have been given to allow more discussions with Cardinals over the age of 80. During these two days, they aim to get to know each other better and establish unity for the election of the Pope.

Cardinals Hope for Unity

Argentine Cardinal Ángel Sixto Rossi stated, "There is hope for unity," but he noted that many are interested in maintaining Pope Francis' religious values and his anti-war stance. However, conservatives are likely to advocate for a return to more religiously-based teachings.

British Cardinal Vincent Nichols said, "The Pope's primary task is to keep us united, and this is a gift from God to us."

Cardinal Porras Expects a Quick Decision in the Conclave

Venezuelan Cardinal Baltazar Enrique Porras Cardoso believes that once the conclave begins, a decision will be made quickly, "within two to three days."

Limited Familiarity Among International Cardinals

Among the 135 Cardinals eligible to vote in the conclave, many do not know each other well. Of them, 108 were appointed by Pope Francis. Some Cardinals are participating in the conclave for the first time, and their lack of familiarity with one another has led to some uncertainty.

Uncertainty Over Israeli Cardinal Becciu’s Vote

Meanwhile, there is uncertainty surrounding Cardinal Angelo Becciu’s vote. In 2020, he faced legal charges arising from cases established during the papacies of Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI, under Pope Francis' direction, and later resigned from his position as a Cardinal.

Global Divergent Opinions

Cardinal John Onaiyekan from Nigeria has said there is some mystery regarding whether there is unity among African Cardinals for a specific candidate.

Cardinal Anthony Pulla from India noted that he has sensed unity among his fellow Cardinals but added, "Anything can happen."

Finally, Argentine Cardinal Rossi stated that he hopes Pope Francis' message of "kindness, proximity, mercy, affection, and trust" will help guide them in electing the new Pope.