Catholic cardinals have agreed to start the conclave on May 7 to elect a successor to Pope Francis, delaying the secret vote by two days to allow more time to get acquainted and build consensus before secluding themselves in the Sistine Chapel.
The date was set after the first informal meetings held following Francis’ funeral on Saturday. Amid a chaotic atmosphere, reporters bombarded the cardinals with questions about internal unity and the start of the conclave. A journalist from an Italian satirical program repeatedly pressed whether a cardinal convicted of financial crimes would be allowed to vote.
“There is hope for unity,” said Argentine Cardinal Ángel Sixto Rossi, the 66-year-old archbishop of Córdoba, appointed by Francis in 2023.
Many cardinals expressed a desire to continue Francis’ pastoral approach focused on marginalized communities and opposition to war. However, some conservative factions may push for a return to the traditional doctrines emphasized by Saint John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI, aiming to reinforce unity and downplay the social justice emphasis and outreach to women and LGBTQ+ people promoted by Francis.
British Cardinal Vincent Nichols, archbishop of Westminster, stressed the importance of maintaining cohesion: “The role of the pope is essentially to keep us united, and that is the grace we have received from God,” said Nichols, 79.
Venezuelan Cardinal Baltazar Enrique Porras Cardozo was optimistic, predicting that once the conclave began, a decision would be reached quickly—”within two or three days.”
The College of Cardinals tasked with electing the new pope includes 135 electors from around the world, 108 of whom were appointed by Francis. Many of them are barely acquainted with each other, adding uncertainty to a process that requires two-thirds agreement to elect a new pontiff.
Nichols acknowledged the challenge, especially since the last 20 cardinals were named just last December. “We have the whole week,” he said upon his arrival at the Vatican.
Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote, and it remains unclear how many of the 135 will participate. A Spanish cardinal has already announced he will not travel to Rome due to health reasons.
A key point of contention is whether Cardinal Angelo Becciu will be allowed to enter the Sistine Chapel. Forced by Francis to resign in 2020 amid accusations of embezzlement and fraud, Becciu was stripped of his cardinal rights and was convicted by a Vatican court in December 2023. Although he has appealed the conviction and attended pre-conclave meetings, doubts remain about his voting rights. Official Vatican statistics list him as a “non-elector,” but his lawyers are studying the rules governing conclaves to see if he could still cast a vote.
Despite Francis having shaped the College of Cardinals in his image, not all of his appointees necessarily wish to continue along his path.
On Monday morning, any glimpse of a red biretta under the majestic colonnade of St. Peter’s Square would send reporters rushing with cameras and microphones. Italian Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, seen as a papabile (potential pope), moved through the crowd with humor, joking he was “holding his breath” as journalists swarmed him on his way into the Vatican.
Nigerian Cardinal John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan, archbishop emeritus of Abuja, was asked if African cardinals were rallying around a particular candidate. Last year, African bishops notably opposed Francis’ approach to LGBTQ+ issues, refusing to implement a declaration permitting blessings for same-sex couples, fueling speculation that the 18 African electors might work to block a progressive candidate.
“We are not here for a political rally. We are here to elect a pope,” said Onaiyekan, who at 81 is too old to vote but could still influence younger electors.
Indian Cardinal Anthony Poola, 61, archbishop of Hyderabad, noted a feeling of unity among his peers but admitted that “anything could happen.” Poola is one of four Indian cardinals eligible to vote, three of whom were appointed by Francis.
“Whoever emerges must be the successor of Saint Peter, and we all hope he will be a good pope,” he said.
Cardinal Rossi of Argentina said he hoped Francis’ message of “mercy, closeness, charity, tenderness, and faith” would guide the selection process. Asked how he felt about participating in his first conclave, he laughed and confessed: “Afraid.”
Leave a Comment