Cardinals gathered in Rome to mourn Pope Francis over the weekend.
ROME - The conclave to elect the next pope is set to begin on May 7, as confirmed by the Vatican.
The decision was made during the Fifth General Congregation at the Vatican's Synod Hall on Monday morning. The conclave will be held in the Sistine Chapel, which will be sealed off until the election is concluded.
On the afternoon the conclave begins, the cardinals will process to the Sistine Chapel. Once inside, each cardinal elector will take an oath pledging to faithfully carry out the responsibilities of the papal office if elected.
They also vow to maintain strict secrecy and avoid any external influence related to the election.
"They are prohibited from sending or receiving any messages, receiving newspapers or magazines, or watching radio or television broadcasts," as stated by the Vatican.
There are currently 135 cardinal electors eligible to vote in the conclave, but the final number attending is yet to be confirmed.
To be elected pope, a two-thirds majority of the electors present is required.
