Cardinals around the world will meet for Choose the new leader of the Catholic Church after the death of Pope Francis. Although the conclave does not have a pre -established duration – and everything you need can extend until a consensus – from inside the Vatican A will not to lengthen the process is perceived.
“There is an impression that the conclave will be short, two or three days, that is the feeling we have in the classroom “said Salvadoran cardinal Gregorio Rosa Chávez to several journalists gathered in the Vatican.
So he perceived it Cardinal Gualtiero Bassetti, 83. In an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Serathe member of the Cardenalicio school said to have the “feeling that This conclave will not last long. Even in brothers that perhaps I have not known, and that maybe they come from the confines of the earth, I see a great love of the church and the desire that I can start over as soon as possible with his head. These days you can really feel the universality of the Church. ”
He added that “Naturally, there may be some difficulties Because voters have never been so numerous and not everyone knows each other ”, however, the cardinal described A “very beautiful and fraternal” atmosphere.
For his part, Canadian cardinal Michael Czerny, 78 -year -old Jesuithe expects that it will not be a divided conclave.
In his statements to the Italian newspaper, he stressed doctrinal continuity within the Church: “The teaching of each Pope is irreversible and at the same time there is a continuous development in the succession of pontiffs. Francisco’s teaching remains.”
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The conclave will begin at 4:30 p.m. (Rome time) of the May 7after a prayer in the Paulina Chapel of the Vatican.
Although it had been appointing Pope Gregory X for almost three years in the thirteenth century – the longest conclave to date -, Modern meetings usually last a few days.
Both Francisco and his predecessor, Benedict XVI, They were chosen after two days of voting.
The 252 Cardinals of the Church were summoned to Rome after Francisco’s death on April 21 and 224 went to funeral last Saturday.
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-They all had a voice and vote in the choice of the date of the conclave, but only 133 under 80 years of age will vote.
El 80% of the “voter cardinals” were appointed by Francisco And they come from all corners of the planet, including regions that were historically not represented.
EUroopa, however, has the largest block of voters, with 53 cardinalscompared to 27 cardinals from Asia and Oceania, 21 between South America and Central America, 18 of Africa and 16 from North America.
ITalia is the most represented nationwith 19 voters. The United States has 10, Brazil seven and France five.
LDeliberations remain under strict secret, under penalty of instant excommunication.
Smartphones and Any internet access are prohibited. The cardinals cannot read newspapers, listen to the radio or watch television.
CAny contact with the outside world is prohibited, Except for “serious and urgent reasons”, which must be confirmed by a four -pairs panel.
The cardinals celebrate four votes a day – two in the morning and two in the afternoon – until A candidate obtains two thirds of the votes.
After three days without achieving the appointment of a pontiff, The vote is suspended for A day of prayer.
The chosen cardinal must answer two questions from the Dean: “Do you accept your canonical choice for Supreme Pontiff?” And “what do you want to be called?” If you answer yes to the first, He becomes Pope and Bishop of Rome.
The new pontiff retires to a room known as the Hall of Tears to put on the papal suit. From the balcony of the Basilica of San Pedro, Cardinal Protodiácono announces “Pope”.
Next, the new Pontiff appears and imparts his blessing “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and the world).
