Following the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, Catholic cardinals have now set May 7 as the start date for the conclave to elect his successor. The delay gives them extra time to build relationships, find consensus, and prepare spiritually before they are sequestered in the Sistine Chapel to begin the sacred process.

Pope Francis, who died Monday, April 21, just after Easter Sunday, at the age of 88 following a stroke and heart failure, had requested a simple funeral and was the first pope since 1903 to be buried outside the Vatican walls. His burial at St. Mary Major — a basilica dear to him — marked a historic moment, breaking with recent tradition.

Now, the focus shifts to choosing the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

Cardinals Seek Unity Ahead of Conclave

Cardinals gathered on Monday for their first day of informal meetings, known as General Congregations. These sessions include cardinals over the age of 80, who will not participate in the conclave but can influence discussions. Many cardinals emphasized the need for unity, continuity of Francis’ pastoral mission, and a return to core doctrines, depending on their theological leanings.

“There is the hope of unity,” said Argentine Cardinal Ángel Sixto Rossi, one of Francis’ recent appointees British Cardinal Vincent Nichols similarly stressed as reported by AP NEWS.

“The role of the pope is to essentially hold us together, and that’s the grace we’ve been given from God.”

Venezuelan Cardinal Baltazar Enrique Porras Cardozo predicted the voting process would move quickly once it begins, estimating a new pope could be elected within two or three days.

A Diverse, Francis-Shaped College of Cardinals

The College of Cardinals is the most diverse in Church history. Out of 135 electors under the age of 80, 108 were appointed by Pope Francis. Only about 40% are European — a dramatic shift from the Eurocentric compositions of past conclaves. Today, the electors include:

• 23 cardinals from Asia
• 18 from Africa
• 17 from South America
• 16 from North America, including 10 Americans

Many of the newer cardinals, especially those from Asia, Africa, and Latin America, are participating in their first conclave and are still getting acquainted with one another. “We’ve got all week,” said Nichols, acknowledging the challenge.

The 10 U.S. cardinals eligible to vote include prominent figures such as Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago, Cardinal Wilton Gregory of Washington, D.C., and Cardinal Robert McElroy of San Diego — many known for supporting Francis’ vision of a more inclusive, pastoral Church.

Tensions and Controversies

Despite the emphasis on unity, underlying tensions remain. Conservatives hope to steer the Church back toward the doctrinal focus championed by St. John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI, while others want to continue Francis’ emphasis on social justice, outreach to marginalized groups, and reform.

One point of controversy concerns Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who was convicted of finance-related crimes by the Vatican’s criminal court in 2023. Although officially listed as a “non-elector,” Becciu has argued he should be allowed to vote, leading to legal scrutiny and unresolved debate among the cardinals.

Another dynamic to watch: African cardinals may influence the conclave’s outcome, especially after their unified stand against Francis’ 2023 directive allowing blessings for same-sex couples. Nigerian Cardinal John Onaiyekan, though too old to vote, stated bluntly, “We have not come here for a political rally. We have come to get a pope out.”

The Road Ahead

Only cardinals under 80 will enter the Sistine Chapel on May 7, where — after prayers and reflection — they will vote by secret ballot. To elect the next pope, a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority.

Among rumored candidates are Italian Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, known for his work on peace initiatives, and potential candidates from Africa and Latin America.

Indian Cardinal Anthony Poola expressed hope that, “Anyone who is coming up must be the successor of St. Peter, and we all hope that he will be a good pope.”

As Rossi put it with a smile when asked how he felt about participating in his first conclave, according to AP News: “Afraid.”

Still, many cardinals believe the spirit of Pope Francis — centered on “mercy, closeness, charity, tenderness, and faith” — will guide them as they choose the next shepherd of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics.

Keep up with the latest from the conclave with us on Que Onda Magazine.