Catholic cardinals have scheduled May 7 as the start date for the conclave to elect the successor to Pope Francis, allowing for extra days of informal meetings before they are sequestered inside the Sistine Chapel for the secret vote.
The decision, announced Monday after the first round of discussions following Pope Francis’ funeral, reflects a desire to build consensus among the diverse group of cardinals.
While the conclave could have begun as early as May 5, the two-day delay gives voting cardinals more time to meet informally with their older, non-voting counterparts — cardinals over age 80 — before the voting begins.
“There is the hope of unity,” said Cardinal Ángel Sixto Rossi of Argentina, appointed by Francis in 2023. Rossi echoed the sentiments of many cardinals who wish to continue Francis’ emphasis on outreach to the marginalized and peace-building.
However, conservative voices are pushing for a shift back toward traditional doctrine, a focus championed by Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI.
British Cardinal Vincent Nichols, archbishop of Westminster, stressed the need for unity, saying, “The role of the pope is to essentially hold us together and that’s the grace we’ve been given from God.” Meanwhile,