May 7: Cardinals Gather to Elect New Pope Amid Tensions

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The Vatican has set May 7 as the start date for the conclave to elect the next pope. This decision followed the first day of informal meetings among cardinals after Pope Francis’s funeral on Saturday. Journalists pressed cardinals on the atmosphere, unity, and timing amid a flurry of questions.

“There is the hope of unity,” said Argentine Cardinal Angel Sixto Rossi, appointed by Francis in 2023. Many cardinals voiced a desire to continue Francis’s pastoral focus on marginalized people and peace.

Yet conservative factions aim to steer the Church back to traditional doctrines emphasized by St John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI.

British Cardinal Vincent Nichols emphasized the pope’s role in fostering unity. “The role of the pope is to essentially hold us together and that’s the grace we’ve been given from God,” he said.

Venezuelan Cardinal Baltazar Enrique Porras Cardozo predicted a swift conclave, expecting a decision “between two and three days.”

The College of Cardinals includes 135 electors under 80 years old, many appointed by Francis during his 12-year papacy.

Cardinal Nichols acknowledged that many do not know each other well. “We’ve got all week,” he said, signaling ample time for discussions.

A key uncertainty surrounds Cardinal Angelo Becciu’s voting rights. Once a powerful Vatican figure, Becciu resigned in 2020 amid financial fraud allegations and was convicted in December 2023.

Though appealing, his status as an elector remains unclear, with Vatican records listing him as a “non-elector.”

Italian Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, considered a papal contender, deflected questions with humor as he arrived. Nigerian Cardinal John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan dismissed political speculation.

“We have not come here for a political rally. We have come to get a pope out,” he said, highlighting the gravity of the task.

Indian Cardinal Anthony Poola spoke of a sense of unity but acknowledged unpredictability.

“Anything could happen,” he said. As one of four Indian electors, he stressed the importance of choosing a worthy successor to St Peter. “We all hope that he will be a good pope,” Poola added.

Cardinal Rossi expressed hope that Francis’s message of “mercy, closeness, charity, tenderness and faith” will guide the conclave.

Yet, he admitted the responsibility is daunting. Asked how he feels about his first conclave, he laughed and said simply, “Afraid.”