Vatican analysts say the May 7 conclave carries historic weight, as cardinals work to elect a pope who can navigate deep rifts between reformists and conservatives.
VATICAN CITY / ISTANBUL — As the Catholic Church prepares for the papal conclave on May 7, Vatican experts say cardinals face mounting pressure to elect a pope capable of uniting its reformist and conservative factions.
The mourning period for Pope Francis, who died on April 21, ended May 4. Now, the College of Cardinals will gather in the Sistine Chapel to choose his successor.
“This is a particularly dramatic conclave,” said journalist Marco Politi. “The Church has never been as divided as it is now in the last 50 years.”
Politi noted Pope Francis’ decade-long push for reform met resistance from conservative forces. He said the next pontiff must “bring unity,” though building consensus remains difficult.
Cardinals being discussed include Pietro Parolin, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and Matteo Zuppi.
Journalist Giovanna Chirri called the conclave pivotal: “The next pope must carry forward Francis’ legacy while also uniting various factions.”
“If they reach agreement on priorities, they can quickly find a name,” she added.