This is how the papal election will take place from Wednesday

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From May 7 to 19, 133 cardinals will elect a new pope in the Vatican. Here you can find all the information about the election process and the favorites.

Following the death and funeral of Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88 and was buried in Rome the following Saturday, all eyes in the Vatican are now on the future. The conclave, which is scheduled to run until May 19, begins on Wednesday, May 7. If no pope has been found by then, there will be a run-off election.

In the period without an incumbent pope, the Vatican is in the so-called sede vacante, which can be translated from Latin as “time of the empty chair.” During this phase, the Cardinal Dean, currently Giovanni Battista Re (91), is the highest-ranking dignitary in the Vatican. He is responsible for the papal election process, known as the conclave.

The final preliminary discussions are still taking place before the conclave. Since Wednesday, April 23, the cardinals have been meeting almost daily in the Vatican for the General Congregation to discuss the profile of the future pope and prepare for the conclave. At the end of Monday, two general congregations were held – the tenth in the morning and the eleventh in the afternoon. Austria’s only cardinal, Christoph Schönborn (80), also participated in these consultations. Although he is no longer eligible to vote in the papal election due to his age, he nevertheless shared his clear ideas about the future pope with the College:

From Wednesday, May 7, things will get down to business. The start of the conclave will begin with a mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, and the 133 cardinals eligible to vote (two others have canceled due to health reasons) will solemnly enter the Sistine Chapel, where the first ballot will be held in the afternoon. The conclave is presided over by Cardinal Pietro Parolin (70), as Giovanni Battista Re is already over 80.

It is unlikely that a new pope can be agreed upon in the first ballot. This is because a two-thirds majority is required for this.

These candidates represent a broad theological spectrum – from conservative hardliners to reform-oriented supporters of Francis.

During the conclave, the cardinals are accommodated in the Santa Marta guest house, where Pope Francis lived during his time in office, and sealed off from the outside world. All communication with the outside world is prohibited: cell phones, internet, and media are not allowed. The windows are sealed so that there is no reception inside. Breaches of secrecy can lead to excommunication.

After a successful election, the new pope is asked whether he accepts the election and what name he will take. The Cardinal Protodeacon, Dominique Mamberti, then announces “Habemus Papam!” on the Benediction Loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica. The new Pope then gives the blessing “Urbi et Orbi.”

Although the conclave takes place privately, the faithful and interested parties can watch the chimney of the Sistine Chapel: Black smoke means no pope has been elected. White smoke: A new pope has been elected.