The Holy See Press Office announced that the conclave to elect a new Pope will begin on May 7, 2025.
According to emerging details, the Cardinals in Rome made the decision on Monday (April 28, 2025) at their fifth General Congregation.
The conclave will take place in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, which remain closed to visitors during those days.
The process became possible following the death of Pope Francis, who was buried on Saturday, April 26, 2025.
A total of 135 cardinals from around the world, all under the age of 80, are expected to participate in the secret vote.
The cardinals will cast their votes through secret ballots, a process overseen by nine randomly selected cardinals.
A two-thirds majority is required to elect the new pope, and voting continues until a new Pope has been elected.
Once a candidate is elected or after a candidate attains the traditionally accepted two-thirds majority, he is asked if he accepts the role as Pope. He will then be asked to choose a papal name.
The new Pope is now announced to the world with the words ’Habemus papam, meaning ‘’We have a new Pope”.
The Pope will then give his first blessing from the Balcony of St Peter’s Basilica.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
