Preparations are nearing completion in the Vatican for the conclave set to begin on May 7, where a new pontiff will be elected to succeed Pope Francis. A total of 135 cardinal-electors from 71 countries will participate in the voting process, making this conclave the most internationally diverse in the history of the Catholic Church, reports the Baltimore Chronicle, citing The Guardian.
Most of the electors were appointed by Pope Francis himself, many of whom come from previously underrepresented regions. This reflects the global nature of the Church and the desire for a more inclusive leadership.
Among the frontrunners frequently mentioned are Italian Pietro Parolin, the current Vatican Secretary of State, Filipino Luis Antonio Tagle, and Ghanaian Peter Turkson. Parolin, as the most senior cardinal-bishop under the age of 80, is expected to preside over the conclave.
Activity in Rome has intensified, with journalists and observers closely following the movements of the cardinals in hopes of detecting signs about the likely outcome. Cafes and restaurants near the Vatican have become informal gathering spots for discussion and speculation.
Local authorities are also preparing for the event, ensuring the streets around the Vatican are thoroughly cleaned, something that has not gone unnoticed by the city’s residents.
The conclave is expected to last two to three days, although some cardinals anticipate a longer process due to the wide range of perspectives and backgrounds among the electors.
Earlier we wrote that the Vatican’s conclave to begin on may 7 to elect a new Pope.