With the world still mourning Pope Francis, attention now turns to the upcoming conclave where cardinals will soon elect the next leader of the Catholic Church.
An estimated 400,000 people — including global leaders and monarchs — gathered Saturday to honor the late Argentine pontiff, whose 12-year papacy touched millions through his advocacy for the poor and marginalized. Many expressed concern about who would succeed the beloved reformer, who they say made the Church “more human.”
On Monday morning, cardinals will hold their fifth general meeting since Francis’ passing, during which they are expected to announce the official start date of the conclave. Luxembourg Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich has indicated it could begin around May 5 or 6, shortly after the nine-day mourning period ends.
Held in the Sistine Chapel under tight secrecy, the conclave will see 135 eligible cardinals — most appointed by Francis — cast up to four votes daily until a candidate secures a two-thirds majority. A puff of white smoke will signal the Church has a new pope.
At Francis’ funeral, Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re praised the late pope’s tireless defense of migrants and vision of the Church as “a home for all.” Many hope the next pope will continue his legacy, though Church insiders caution the outcome is never predictable.
Pietro Parolin, Francis’ secretary of state and a rumored front-runner, will lead a Mass Sunday at St. Peter’s Basilica. Meanwhile, cardinals and mourners alike are paying their respects at Francis’ simple marble tomb at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore — a historic resting place for a pope who championed humility.
While some Catholics fear a return to a more conservative focus, others pray the next pope, whether progressive or traditional, will have a “universal vision” to unite the faithful at a time of global tension.
Choosing a new pontiff is a heavy responsibility, said Cardinal Hollerich: “We feel very small. We really need to pray for ourselves.