VATICAN: The Catholic Church is preparing for the upcoming papal conclave, scheduled to begin on May 7 in Vatican City.
This exclusive, private event will take place behind the closed doors of the Sistine Chapel, where 135 cardinal-electors will cast their votes to select the next spiritual leader of the global Catholic community.
The conclave, an age-old tradition, will be convened in Rome with cardinals representing various nations worldwide. Historically, these gatherings have varied significantly in duration, lasting from about 25 hours to nearly three years, depending on the voting process.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, who died on April 21 at age 88 after battling a respiratory illness. Elected in March 2013, Pope Francis became the 266th pope after winning a decisive fifth-ballot vote with 90 out of 115 ballots, surpassing the two-thirds majority requirement.
His leadership spanned over 12 years, during which he gained recognition as a significant spiritual figure.
Among the participants is Cardinal Joseph Coutts of Karachi, Pakistan, who has arrived in Rome to take part in the conclave. The church community awaits the selection of a new pope to guide its spiritual mission worldwide.
