All about the May 7 conclave: what is known and who the candidates are
The Vatican defines Francis's successor
porEditorial Team
Argentina
The Vatican announced the date of the conclave. We tell you how the election will be and who has chances of becoming Pope
The conclave to elect the new Pope will begin next Wednesday, May 7 in the Sistine Chapel. The cardinals must reach a two-thirds majority to determine the next head of the Catholic Church.
The date was set after a meeting of more than two hours in which cardinals from around the world participated. Additionally, the oath was taken by those who had not yet done so.
El cónclave para elegir al nuevo Papa arrancará el próximo miércoles 7 de mayo
What is known about the meeting prior to the conclave?
According to Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni, during the meeting 20 cardinals spoke about the ideal profile of the future Pope.
Among the speakers were Reinhard Marx (Germany), Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines), and Dominique Mamberti (France). The controversial participation of Angelo Becciu, excluded by Francis after a financial scandal, was also discussed.
When will the conclave be and how will it unfold
On Wednesday, May 7 in the morning, the cardinals will celebrate a mass in the St. Peter's Basilica. In the afternoon, they will be isolated in the Sistine Chapel to begin the voting.
Durante los próximos tres días, se desarrollarán momentos de oración frente al féretro
Since this Sunday, the Sistine Chapel has been closed for its preparation. The election process could extend for weeks, as a two-thirds majority is required.
How many cardinals participate and who can vote
134 of the 252 cardinals of the College of Cardinals participate.
Only those under 80 years old can vote.
The rest can be present to participate in the preliminary discussions.
Until May 7, the mourning period called novendiales is celebrated, with daily masses and secret meetings known as general congregations.
Cuántos cardenales participan
These assemblies allow the cardinals to debate the future direction of the Church and bring positions closer. Although the discussions are confidential, they have a key weight in the election.
Who are the main candidates to succeed Pope Francis?
Journalist Edward Pentin, an expert on Vatican issues, compiled a ranking with the most mentioned names. The list reflects the tension between continuity and change in the Church.
Péter Erdő
Country: Hungary
Age: 72 years old
Péter Erdő
Appointed by John Paul II, he is a conservative figure with political weight in Europe. He seeks to rescue key figures of anti-communist Catholicism.
Luis Antonio Tagle
Country: Philippines
Age: 67 years old
Charismatic, close to Francis, and with a strong social commitment. He could be the first Asian Pope in history.
Peter Turkson
Country: Ghana
Age: 76 years old
With a moderate profile and strong social sensitivity. His election would mark a historic event as the first African and black Pope.
Peter Turkson
Raymond Burke
Country: United States
Age: 76 years old
Open opponent to Francis's reforms. He has the support of ultraconservative sectors, including Donald Trump.
Matteo Zuppi
Country: Italy
Age: 69 years old
Known for his social and mediating work. He represents a profile closer to Francis in pastoral sensitivity.
Malcom Ranjith
Country: Sri Lanka
Age: 77 years old
Traditionalist in doctrine, he has firm positions against same-sex marriage and female participation in the liturgy.
Malcom Ranjith
Pietro Parolin
Country: Italy
Age: 70 years old
Secretary of State and a key figure in the internal government of the Vatican. He is considered pragmatic and with global political reach.
Willem Eijk
Country: Netherlands
Age: 71 years old
Critic of progressive reforms. His theological vision aligns more with the legacy of Benedict XVI than with that of Francis.
