Catholic Cardinals Convene in Rome to Elect Pope Francis’s Successor. Patriarch Mar Louis Sako among them

ROME — Catholic cardinals from around the world have gathered in Rome to prepare for the upcoming conclave that will elect a successor to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88. The late pontiff, remembered for his reformist agenda and global outreach, served as the head of the Catholic Church for 12 years. His funeral on Saturday drew hundreds of hundreds of thousands of mourners, including world leaders, to St. Peter’s Square. 

The conclave, a centuries-old tradition, is set to begin on May 7 in the Sistine Chapel, where eligible cardinals will cast their votes in a secret ballot. Patriarch Mar Louis Sako (75) of the Chaldean Church is among them. To be elected, a candidate must secure a two-thirds majority, a process that has historically ranged from swift decisions to prolonged deliberations. Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni confirmed the date during a closed-door meeting of cardinals on Monday. 

Currently, there are 252 cardinals worldwide, but only 135 are under the age of 80 and eligible to vote. Approximately 80% of these electors were appointed by Pope Francis, raising speculation about the potential influence of his legacy on the outcome. However, many of these cardinals are younger and will be participating in the conclave for the first time, introducing an element of unpredictability to the proceedings. 

The Sistine Chapel, renowned for its Michelangelo frescoes, has been closed to tourists to allow for preparations. The conclave will adhere to strict protocols, with four voting sessions held daily—two in the morning and two in the afternoon—until a candidate achieves the required majority. 

The gathering comes amid debates over the future direction of the Catholic Church. While some cardinals advocate for continuing Francis’s reformist agenda, others favor a return to more traditional practices. German Cardinal Walter Kasper noted that the outpouring of mourners at Francis’s funeral reflected widespread support for his inclusive approach to papacy. However, conservative factions within the College of Cardinals are expected to push for a successor who reasserts traditional values. 

As the cardinals prepare for the conclave, they have also paid homage to Pope Francis by visiting his tomb at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major. Irish Cardinal Sean Brady expressed gratitude for Francis’s leadership, describing him as “a wonderful pope” and praying for a successor who will continue his legacy. 

The stakes are high as the Church’s 1.4 billion members await the outcome of this pivotal moment, which could redefine its mission in an increasingly complex world.