Roman Catholic cardinals will meet on Monday to set a date for the secret election to choose the next pope following the death of Pope Francis last week. The 88-year-old pontiff was buried on Saturday after a funeral attended by world leaders and thousands of faithful.
More than 100 cardinals eligible to vote gathered at the Vatican for preliminary meetings ahead of the conclave – the centuries-old process held in the Sistine Chapel where cardinals select the new pope. The election could begin as early as next weekend.
“This conclave will be full of surprises,” said Spanish Cardinal Jose Cobo. “We have many cardinals from different continents who don’t know each other well.”
Possible candidates include Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s top diplomat, and Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle. But experts say the outcome is uncertain with no clear favorite emerging.
The cardinals will vote in complete secrecy until one candidate receives at least two-thirds support. White smoke from the chapel chimney will announce when a new pope has been chosen.
Pope Francis broke tradition by requesting burial outside Vatican walls. His tomb at Rome’s Santa Maria Maggiore basilica has drawn large crowds of mourners since Saturday’s funeral.
Church historians say the next pope will face challenges including divisions over Francis’s reforms and declining church attendance in Europe. The election comes as the Catholic Church marks 10 years since Francis became the first pope from Latin America.
The cardinals are expected to announce the conclave date later Monday after finalizing preparations for the historic vote.
