Cardinals decide on conclave date for new pope

Cardinals have met at the Vatican for the first time since Pope Francis’ funeral and have chosen a date for the conclave to elect his successor.

Cardinals will hold a secret conclave beginning on May 7 to elect the new pontiff to replace the late Pope Francis.

On Monday local time, the Vatican News published an update announcing that a date has now been set to select the 267th pope and the conclave will be held after the Novemdiales masses - nine days of mourning - concludes.

The cardinals that have congregated in Rome following the deal of Francis on April 21 have agreed for the conclave to start 16 days after his death.

A successor for Pope Francis will be decided at a conclave, beginning May 7. Picture: Getty Images

The conclave will be held in secret at the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel and cardinals will not be able to access any technology during the discussions to ensure they have no influences in their voting from the outside world.

Vatican News said on their website the cardinals, “pledge to maintain absolute secrecy regarding everything related to the election of the Roman Pontiff and to refrain from any supporting attempts of external interference in the election”.

“All election procedures take place exclusively in the Sistine Chapel within the Vatican Apostolic Palace, which remains completely sealed off until the election is concluded.

“Throughout the election process, the Cardinal electors must refrain from sending letters or engaging in conversations, including phone calls, except in cases of extreme urgency.

Spanish cardinal Aquilino Bocos Merino arrives for the fifth congregation meeting at The Vatican. Picture: AFP

“They are not allowed to send or receive messages of any kind, receive newspapers or magazines of any nature, or follow radio or television broadcasts”.

Pope Francis died on April 21 after suffering a stroke, and a collapse of his cardiovascular system and he fell into a coma.

Meanwhile, in a video message recorded in January, Pope Francis urged young people to focus on the importance of truly listening to others.

The video, shared by the Italian weekly magazine Oggi, was made public just one day after the funeral Mass of Pope Francis, who passed away at the Vatican on April 21.

Italian cardinal Fernando Filoni (C) arrives for the fifth congregation meeting at The Vatican. Picture: AFP

In the message, recorded on January 8 – a month before his hospitalisation, the pope addressed a group of teens and young adults participating in the “Listening Workshops” initiative, created by Italian Luca Drusian.

According to Vatican Media, the workshops aim to foster meaningful dialogue by encouraging young people to engage in discussions while embracing the power of both listening and being heard.

“Dear boys and girls, one of the most important things in life is to listen — to learn how to listen,” the pope said from his residence at the Casa Santa Marta.

“When someone speaks to you, wait for them to finish so you can really understand, and then, if you feel like it, respond. But the important thing is to listen,” he added, stressing the importance of patience in conversation.

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Originally published as Cardinals decide on conclave date for new pope