Cardinals from around the world have begun arriving in Rome as the Catholic Church prepares to elect a new Pope, with the formal Conclave set to begin on Wednesday, May 7.
The gathering, which follows centuries-old traditions, will see eligible Cardinals sequestered in Vatican City as they deliberate and vote to choose a new pontiff. The Vatican’s Santa Marta guesthouse, where most of the Cardinals will reside during the process, offers hotel-style accommodations. However, due to limited space, some will be housed in alternative locations.
On Monday, Vatican News reported that 170 Cardinals, including 132 with voting rights, participated in the 11th General Congregation — a key pre-conclave session held to align on priorities and discuss pressing issues facing the Church.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said the cardinals engaged in deep conversations on topics ranging from the faith of migrants and ethnocentrism to ongoing conflicts in Asia and Africa. The dialogue also addressed the Church’s direction in an increasingly divided global landscape.
“The Cardinals outlined the figure of a pastoral Pope,” Bruni stated, “emphasizing the importance of dialogue and relationship-building.”
As the Church looks ahead to a new era, the upcoming days will be critical in shaping its spiritual and geopolitical leadership for years to come.
