Vatican announces papal conclave to elect Pope Francis successor beginning 7th of next month

The Vatican has announced that the secret conclave to elect a successor to the late Pope Francis will begin on the 7th of next month. The decision was reached during a session of the Congregation for Cardinals, which is currently managing the transition following Pope Francis’ death on April



21. 

As tradition dictates, the voting will be held in the Sistine Chapel, which was closed to tourists yesterday to allow for preparations. Of the 225 cardinals worldwide, only 135 under the age of 80 are eligible to participate in the election.