The conclave, the process of selecting a new pope, is set to begin on May 7, 2025, the Vatican has announced.
The decision was made after a series of private meetings among cardinals, which kicked off after the Pope's funeral on April 26.
According to the Vatican, the conclave, which will be crucial in selecting the late Pope Francis' successor and future direction of the Catholic Church, will see the participation of 135 cardinals under the age of 80 taking part in the election process.
Two eligible cardinals have, however, confirmed that they would not be attending the conclave due to reasons revolving around their health. This effectively reduced the number of eligible electors to 133.
The conclave will take place in the Sistine Chapel, as has been customary in papal elections. Expectedly, the chapel has been closed in preparation for the election.
The 133 cardinals are expected to enter the chapel, where they will cast their vote in secret, and a two-thirds majority vote will be applied to select the new pope.
If there is no consensus after the vote, black smoke will be released from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel, signalling that the cardinals have not yet selected a pope.
This is unlikely, however, and it is largely expected that the smoke will turn white after the vote - an indicator that the election has been a success.
The use of smoke is crucial during the election process as onlookers will be gathered in St. Peter's Square, anxiously waiting to learn of their new pope.
In the last, the Vatican used to burn wet straw, which in turn produces white smoke, but this practice has since evolved to incorporate chemical additives which help make the colours more distinguishable.
Ahead of the crucial exercises, cardinals from across the globe have already arrived in Rome, with the conclave expected to take several days. This is because many of the cardinals are unfamiliar with one another and could require time to discuss the candidates.
A number of well-known cardinals have had their names put forward as possible successors of Pope Francis, including Cardinal Pietro Parolin, A 70-year-old from Veneto. What makes him a huge favourite is the fact that he is quite vocal on geopolitical issues.
Former president of the Council of the Bishops’ Conferences of Europe, Cardinal Peter Erdo, is also a leading candidate and is considered the main challenger of Cardinal Parolin.
