Mysterious papal conclave is announced: Top Catholics to flock to hallowed Sistine Chapel to choose Francis’ replacement

Mysterious papal conclave is announced: Top Catholics to flock to hallowed Sistine Chapel to choose Francis’ replacement

CARDINALS will gather for a papal conclave to elect Pope Francis’ successor on May 7, a Vatican source has revealed.

It comes following the late pontiff’s funeral on Saturday, which was attended by thousands of mourners from across the world.

EPA

Crowds gathered in the Vatican following the Pope’s death[/caption]

Alamy

Conclave will take place in the Sistine Chapel[/caption]

Rex

Conclave will elect the successor of Pope Francis, who died earlier this month[/caption]

Around 135 cardinals are eligible to take part in the secretive election that will determine the spiritual leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.

Cardinals who are under the age of 80 are allowed to vote in the conclave.

They will travel to Rome from all over the world to participate in the ceremonies.

The centuries-old process for choosing the next pope will be held in the Sistine Chapel.

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