The Conclave, the secret meeting of the College of Cardinals to elect a new pope, will begin on May 7 (local time).
Matteo Bruni, spokesperson for the Vatican, announced on April 28 (local time) that this decision was made during a closed meeting of the College of Cardinals. Earlier, local Italian media also reported, citing high-ranking Vatican sources, that the Conclave would begin on May 7.
AFP Yonhap News reported that the Sistine Chapel has been closed to the public from this day onward to prepare for the Conclave.
The Conclave has been held in the Sistine Chapel since the late 19th century. This time, 135 cardinals under the age of 80 from around the world will participate. When the new pope is elected by their vote, white smoke will rise from the chapel's chimney.
From Korea, Cardinal Lazarus You Heung-sik, the first Korean to become Prefect of the Dicastery for the Clergy, will participate in the Conclave. Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung, who is 82 years old this year, cannot attend due to the rule that only those under 80 may participate in the Conclave.
According to the rules, the Conclave must begin within 15 to 20 days after the pope passes away. Pope Francis passed away on April 21.
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