Conclave to Elect Next Pope May Begin as Early as May 6

General Meeting of Cardinals to Begin in Earnest on April 28
Debate Over Succession of Pope Francis's Progressive Spirit Emerges as Key Issue

With the funeral rites for Pope Francis concluding on April 26 (local time), the Vatican is moving beyond its period of mourning and entering a full-fledged 'season of politics.'

While the nine-day mourning period known as the 'Novendiali' continues until May 4, discussions among cardinals regarding the election of the next pope are intensifying.

According to The New York Times, the conclave to elect the next pope is expected to begin as early as May 6. Regulations require that the conclave be held within 15 to 20 days after the pope's passing, and foreign media outlets anticipate that the conclave will take place between May 6 and 11. Pope Francis passed away on April 21.

The term 'conclave' originates from the Latin for 'locked with a key,' and it refers to the historic method of papal election that has continued since the 13th century.

Cardinals attending the conclave are discussing the next pope.

Cardinals under the age of 80 as of the day before the pope's death gather in one place and, without nominating specific candidates, each vote for the individual they consider most suitable. Voting takes place twice a day until a candidate receives more than two-thirds of the votes.

Since the late 19th century, the conclave has been held in the Sistine Chapel. When a new pope is elected, white smoke is released from the chapel's chimney to announce the news to the world. Afterward, the senior cardinal proclaims "Habemus Papam" ("We have a pope") to those waiting outside, officially announcing the name and election of the new pope.

Preparations for the election of the next pope have already begun. On April 22, the day after Pope Francis's passing, the College of Cardinals held its first general meeting to discuss the schedule and logistics leading up to the conclave, major issues, and key figures. The process is expected to begin in earnest around April 28, when most of the 135 cardinals under the age of 80 who are eligible to vote will have gathered in Rome.

The legacy of Pope Francis, widely regarded as the most progressive pope in history, is seen as a key factor that will influence the direction of this conclave.

Generally, analysts believe there is a high likelihood that a successor who will continue and develop Pope Francis's legacy will be chosen, given that he appointed about 110 of the 135 cardinals participating in the election.

However, there are also expectations that conservative cardinals, who have harbored discontent, may act in a coordinated manner, and that votes could consolidate around a moderate or conservative figure capable of reconciling past conflicts and stabilizing the church. Cardinal Lazarus You Heung-sik of Korea is also being mentioned as a 'dark horse' among the candidates for the next pope.