Asger Risom
Preparatory meetings continue as alliances form in Rome following Pope Francis’ funeral
Following Saturday’s massive funeral for Pope Francis, cardinals gathered in Rome are advancing swiftly toward setting a date for the next conclave. On Monday, during the ongoing general congregations—preparatory meetings crucial to the election process—several senior clerics indicated that the conclave date would likely be finalized by day’s end.
South African Cardinal Wilfrid Fox Napier confirmed to RTVE that the announcement was imminent, while Italian Cardinals Fernando Filoni and Matteo Zuppi also expressed confidence that the decision would be made Monday, as reported by 20minutos.
Likely Date: May 5
Although no official confirmation had been issued as of midday Monday, all indications point to May 5 as the most probable date for the conclave. The timing aligns with traditional Church protocol, allowing for a nine-day mourning period, known as the “novemdiales,” after the death of a pope.
During these meetings, cardinals also begin informally discussing potential candidates and forming alliances ahead of the secret ballot voting process inside the Sistine Chapel.
A New Chapter After Francis
The conclave will mark a critical turning point for the Catholic Church, as the cardinals choose a successor who could either continue Francis’ reformist trajectory or pivot back toward a more traditionalist course, amid vocal debates within the College of Cardinals.
With prominent figures such as Cardinal Matteo Zuppi considered serious contenders, the Church—and the world—awaits a decision that could shape Catholicism for years to come.