Vatican City, April 30 (ANI): The College of Cardinals has confirmed that all 133 cardinal electors have the right to vote in the upcoming conclave to elect the next Pope, as reported by Vatican News.
A declaration was released by the Holy See Press Office following a meeting of the Cardinals at the General Congregation. The statement affirmed that every Cardinal elector present at the conclave would have the right to vote for the new Pope.
The Cardinals clarified that Paragraph 33 of the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, which governs the conclave, originally stipulated a limit of 120 electors. However, Pope Francis had exceeded this limit by creating more than 120 Cardinals under the age of 80, thus granting all Cardinals, including those above the limit, the right to vote as per Paragraph 36 of the same document.
The Cardinals also expressed appreciation to Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu, who opted not to participate in the conclave, in a gesture aimed at maintaining the communion and serenity of the conclave. They acknowledged his decision and emphasized their hope that competent juridical bodies would resolve the corruption case against him.
The conclave will officially begin on May 7, with the Cardinals convening in the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican, which will be closed to the public during this period. Prior to the conclave, a solemn Eucharistic celebration will be held.
During the conclave, the Cardinals are prohibited from any external communication, including sending messages, receiving news, or using phones, as they are confined to the election process within the sealed Sistine Chapel.
The election requires a two-thirds majority to elect a new Pope. If a decision is reached, white smoke will emerge from the chapel’s chimney, followed by the announcement “Habemus Papam” (We have a Pope), and the new Pope will offer the Apostolic Blessing Urbi et Orbi.
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