Papal Conclave begins May 7 as Cardinals prepare to choose next Pope

Rome is buzzing with excitement.

133 cardinal electors have gathered for a papal conclave. This is one of the Catholic Church’s most sacred traditions.

Pope Francis passed away on April 21. The election for a new pontiff starts on Wednesday, May 7. It will take place in the historic Sistine Chapel.

All cardinals under 80 are now in Rome. They are ready to participate in the confidential voting process. This process may last several days.

A two-thirds majority is needed to elect the next leader of 1.3 billion Catholics. Ballots will be cast behind closed doors, beneath Michelangelo’s famous ceiling.

Security around the Vatican has been tightened significantly.

The Holy See is ensuring secrecy during this time. They have deployed signal-jamming technology and disabled cellphone networks. Strict communication blackouts are also in place within the conclave grounds.

There is no clear favorite for the papacy yet. Names like Pietro Parolin from Italy and Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines are being discussed as potential successors. However, tradition dictates that the outcome remains unpredictable.