Cardinal Predicts Two to Three Days of Deliberations
Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako of Baghdad anticipates a swift papal conclave, telling journalists at the Vatican on Tuesday that the process to elect Pope Francis’ successor could last just two or three days.
“There is a very fraternal atmosphere and a spirit of responsibility,” Sako said as reported by ABC News, suggesting broad agreement among the cardinals.
Conclave Timeline Set
The Vatican confirmed that the conclave will begin Wednesday, May 7. Cardinals from around the world will gather to choose the Catholic Church’s 267th pope.
Historical Precedents Suggest a Quick Decision
Recent conclaves have been similarly brief. The elections of Pope Benedict XVI in 2005 and Pope Francis in 2013 each concluded in two days. Pope John Paul II was elected after three days in 1978.
Pope Francis Laid to Rest
Pope Francis, who passed away last Monday at age 88, was buried on Saturday in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome. His passing has set in motion the solemn process of selecting the next spiritual leader of over a billion Catholics worldwide.
Keep up with the Papal conclave leading up to Pope Francis’ successor with us on Que Onda Magazine.