The conclave that will elect a successor to Pope Francis will open on Wednesday, May 7th following the traditional nine days of mourning for a deceased Pontiff. This was officially set by the College of Cardinals in a meeting today. Almost 200 cardinals are now in Rome for daily meetings taht will lead to the conclave.
The conclave will open on May 7th with the celebration of a Mass followed by a procession into the Sistine Chapel, where the cardinal-electors will hear two meditations and take an oath to preserve the secrecy of the proceedings.
If time allows, the cardinals may take their first vote on Wednesday afternoon. On the following days of the conclave, the schedule will allow for two votes in the morning, then two more in the afternoon session, until a candidate receives the two-thirds support required for election.
Please pray for the cardinals as they prepare for the upcoming conclave and pray, as well, for the repose of Pope Francis during these nine days of mourning.