With Pope Francis’s funeral concluded, attention has now turned to the forthcoming conclave—the confidential assembly of cardinals that will elect the next leader of the Catholic Church.
On Saturday, an estimated 400,000 mourners gathered at the Vatican and in Rome to pay their respects to the Argentine pontiff, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88. Among those in attendance were world leaders, monarchs, and faithful from across the globe, a reflection of the late pope’s wide-reaching influence and popularity.
Known as a compassionate reformer and advocate for the poor and marginalized, Francis left a deep impression on many Catholics. His death has stirred both grief and uncertainty about the Church’s future.
“He made the Church feel more human,” said Romina Cacciatore, a 48-year-old Argentinian living in Italy. “I’m anxious about what comes next.”
On Monday morning at 9 a.m., cardinals will convene their fifth general meeting since Francis’s death, during which they are expected to set a date for the conclave. Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich of Luxembourg has suggested the election may occur on May 5 or 6, shortly after the traditional nine days of mourning, which end May 4.
Held in the Sistine Chapel under strict secrecy, the conclave has long captivated public interest. Eligible cardinals—those under 80 years old—will cast up to four votes per day until one candidate secures a two-thirds majority. White smoke from the chapel’s chimney will signal a successful election.
German Cardinal Reinhard Marx predicted on Saturday that the process will take only “a few days.”
A Farewell with Deep Emotion
Pope Francis’s funeral was held in St. Peter’s Square under bright spring skies and combined solemn ritual with emotional public tribute. On Sunday, crowds gathered again at Santa Maria Maggiore, Francis’s favorite church in Rome, where he was laid to rest—making him the first pope in more than a century to be buried outside the Vatican.
“It was very moving to see his tomb,” said Tatiana Alva, a 49-year-old Peruvian woman who wiped away tears after visiting the site. “He was kind, humble, and spoke in ways young people could relate to.”
Inside the basilica, the atmosphere was reverent and hushed as pilgrims and Catholic youth groups—some of whom had come for the now-postponed canonisation of Carlo Acutis—filed past the simple marble tomb.
Raphael De Mas Latrie, a French visitor who had planned to attend the canonisation with his son, said Francis’s environmental advocacy especially resonated. “His message made sense in today’s materialistic world, especially for the youth,” he said, noting that the next pope need not be identical to Francis, as “every pope speaks to his time.”
During the funeral Mass, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re praised Francis for his commitment to migrants, peace, and making the Church a “home for all.”
“He spoke to people’s hearts,” said Maria Simoni, a 53-year-old Roman. “I hope the next pope can do the same.”
Choosing the Next Leader
With over 220 of the Church’s 252 cardinals present at the funeral, many gathered again Sunday at Santa Maria Maggiore to pay their respects. A special Mass will also be held at St. Peter’s Basilica, led by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state and a leading contender to succeed Francis.
There are currently 135 cardinal-electors, the majority of whom were appointed by Francis. However, experts caution that this doesn’t guarantee the selection of a pope in his image. Francis, known for his hands-on pastoral approach, was a striking contrast to his predecessor Benedict XVI, a scholarly German theologian. Benedict, in turn, followed John Paul II, a charismatic and globally adored figure.
Some conservative Catholics hope the next pope will shift the Church’s focus back to doctrine, after years of reform under Francis. Others stress the need for a pope with a broad, global perspective.
“It’s not about being progressive or conservative,” Cardinal Marx said. “The next pope must have a universal vision.”
As the Church prepares to elect a new spiritual leader for its 1.4 billion members, cardinals acknowledge the weight of the decision ahead.
