Conclave for the Pope’s election will begin on May 7 / day

The cardinals will first participate in a solemn mission at St. Peter’s Basilica, but then the voters will gather in the Sistine Chapel to participate in the voting process, Bruni said.

Francis left life on April 21.

Cardinals under 80 will participate in the vote.

The Vatican closed the Sistine Chapel on Monday to start preparing.

So far, there are few indications of what could be chosen drastically.

« I believe that if Francis has been a Pope of surprises, then this Conclave will be, because it is not predictable at all, » Spanish Cardinal Hosé Kobo admitted in an interview with El Pais.

As conflicts and diplomatic crises are raging in many parts of the world, Pietro Parolin, an Italian cardinal, who was a Secretary of State during Francis, is a favorite for the Pope.

In the predictions of British bookmaker « William Hill », he slightly overtakes the Philippine Louis Antonio Tagli, the emeritus of Manila Archbishop Emeritus, followed by Ghana Cardinal Peter Turkson.

Next are Bologna Archbishop Mateo Mateo, Guinea Cardinal Robert Sara and Jerusalem Latin Patriarch Pierbatist Picalla.

Although Francis’ efforts to create a more compassionate church earned widespread recognition and respect, some of his reforms raised the conservative wing of the dislike, especially in the US and Africa.

About 80% of the cardinal electorate was appointed by Francis. True, it is not a guarantee that they will choose a similar successor to him.

Most of them are relatively young, and for many this will be the first Conclave.

The vote is secret and will follow strict rules and ceremonial procedures. The process could take several days or even longer.

There will be four votes every day – two in the morning and two in the afternoon – up to one candidate will win a two -thirds majority.