The College of Cardinals has announced that the conclave to elect the next leader of the Catholic Church will officially begin on May 7, 2025, following the death of Pope Francis.
The conclave will determine the successor to Pope Francis, who will be entrusted with leading the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
Pope Francis, aged 88, passed away on Easter Monday after suffering a stroke and heart failure. His death has deeply saddened millions of believers and ushered in a period of mourning across the Catholic community.
His funeral was held on Saturday, with Pope Francis laid to rest in a simple tomb at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, honoring his final wishes. The funeral ceremony, which took place on the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica, drew attendance from heads of state, royalty, and thousands of faithful.
On Sunday afternoon, numerous cardinals visited Pope Francis’s resting place to pay their respects and honor his memory. Outside the Basilica, large crowds gathered to commemorate the life and service of a Pope who led the Catholic Church for over a decade.
