20 sources·World

Papal Conclave Scheduled for May 7 Amid Calls for Unity Among Cardinals

The conclave for electing Pope Francis’ successor will start on May 7, with cardinals prioritizing unity and consensus-building.

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  1. ‘Maga Catholics’ are gaining ground in the US. Now their sight is set on the Vatican

    Yet conservative Catholic Americans are unusually influential and wealthy, and the Vatican needs “American money and American influence”, said Massimo Faggioli, a professor of religious studies at Villanova University.

    ‘Maga Catholics’ are gaining ground in the US. Now their sight is set on the Vatican

    The GuardianThe Guardian·4d
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    ·
    Leans Left
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  2. Sistine Chapel closed for conclave to elect new pope

    Many cardinals face pressure to balance unity and diversity without stalling reforms.

    Sistine Chapel closed for conclave to elect new pope

    Straight Arrow NewsStraight Arrow News·4d
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  3. Conclave to pick next pope to begin May 7, Vatican says

    A conclave, organized by the camerlengo, presently Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, begins 15 to 20 days after the pope’s death.

    Conclave to pick next pope to begin May 7, Vatican says

    FOX NewsFOX News·4d
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  4. Conclave to replace Pope Francis to begin May 7, Vatican says

    The papal conclave to replace Pope Francis will begin Wednesday, May 7, the Vatican said on Monday.

    Conclave to replace Pope Francis to begin May 7, Vatican says

    ABC NewsABC News·4d
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  5. Vatican says conclave to elect new pope to begin on May 7

    The date was decided during a closed-door meeting of cardinals at the Vatican on Monday, two days after the funeral of Francis, who died on April 21 aged 88.

    Vatican says conclave to elect new pope to begin on May 7

    Al JazeeraAl Jazeera·4d
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  6. Conclave to elect new pope to begin on 7 May, Vatican says

    There is no timescale as to how long it will take to elect the next pope, but the previous two conclaves, held in 2005 and 2013, lasted just two days.

    Conclave to elect new pope to begin on 7 May, Vatican says

    BBC NewsBBC News·4d
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  7. Vatican Announces Date for Conclave to Elect New Pope

    Papal succession has evolved considerably since the early church and current rules of this procedure were not codified until the early 20th century.

    Vatican Announces Date for Conclave to Elect New Pope

    Breitbart NewsBreitbart News·4d
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  8. Conclave to elect a new pope will start on May 7 - Washington Examiner

    While Francis stacked the ranks with his cardinals, it is not necessarily the case that all of them will want to see the church continue in his image.

    Conclave to elect a new pope will start on May 7 - Washington Examiner

    Washington ExaminerWashington Examiner·4d
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    Leans Right
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  9. Vatican announces conclave to elect a new pope will start on May 7

    While Francis stacked the ranks with his cardinals, it is not necessarily the case that all of them will want to see the church continue in his image.

    Vatican announces conclave to elect a new pope will start on May 7

    Chicago TribuneChicago Tribune·4d
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  10. Conclave to elect Pope Francis' successor to begin May 7

    It is customary for the conclave to be held 15 to 20 days after the pope's death, but until now the Holy See had not released the details of the gathering.

    Conclave to elect Pope Francis' successor to begin May 7

    NBC NewsNBC News·4d
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  11. Conclave to elect Pope Francis’ successor set to start on May 7

    The date for the papal election was decided on Monday after cardinals held the first daily congregation since Pope Francis’ funeral.

    Conclave to elect Pope Francis’ successor set to start on May 7

    CNNCNN·4d
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  12. Vatican Plans May 7 Start to Conclave Vote for New Pope

    Many cardinals cited the desire to continue Francis’ pastoral focus on people who are marginalized and against war.

    Vatican Plans May 7 Start to Conclave Vote for New Pope

    NewsmaxNewsmax·4d
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  13. Catholic faithful flock to Pope Francis' tomb as eyes turn to conclave

    The tomb was opened on the second of nine days of official mourning for Francis, after which a conclave will be held to elect the next pope.

    Catholic faithful flock to Pope Francis' tomb as eyes turn to conclave

    CBS NewsCBS News·5d
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  1. PBS NewsHour
  2. The Guardian
  3. Boston Herald
  4. Straight Arrow News
  5. FOX News
  6. ABC News
  7. Al Jazeera
  8. BBC News
  9. Breitbart News
  10. USA TODAY
  11. Washington Examiner
  12. Chicago Tribune
  13. NBC News
  14. CNN
  15. Newsmax
  16. CBS News

Updated: Apr 28th, 2025, 12:29 PM ET

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

Following Pope Francis' funeral on April 27, cardinals announced the conclave to elect a successor will begin May 7, allowing two days for informal discussions to foster consensus. As cardinals gather, there's a strong focus on achieving unity, with differing views emerging among those committed to continuing Francis' outreach and others advocating a return to traditional doctrines. High-profile discussions include whether Cardinal Angelo Becciu, facing conviction for financial crimes, can vote. Though the conclave aims for a swift decision, uncertainty prevails due to a lack of familiarity among the 135 electors. Conservative factions are mobilizing, intensifying debates over the Church’s direction.


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  • Pope Francis' modest tomb has drawn huge crowds as thousands come to pay their respects during the official mourning period.

  • Many mourners, including young pilgrims, express admiration for Francis' influence on the Church and share sentiments of sadness and loss.

  • The upcoming conclave to elect his successor raises anxiety among the faithful regarding the future direction of the Church.


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