Following the funeral and burial of Pope Francis at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, the Catholic Church is set to begin the process of selecting his successor. The papal conclave will convene on May 7 in the Sistine Chapel, which will be closed to the public throughout the voting period.
Out of the 252 cardinals worldwide, 135 are eligible to vote in the conclave. The election process consists of multiple secret ballots and continues until one candidate secures a two-thirds majority. The successful election of a new pope will be signaled by white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney, followed by the traditional declaration, “Habemus Papam!”
Could the Next Pope Be Black?
While the outcome of the conclave remains uncertain, there is increasing speculation that the next pope could come from a non-European background. Notably, Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana and Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu of the Democratic Republic of Congo are viewed as serious contenders. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines is also frequently mentioned as a leading candidate.