新あたらしい教皇きょうこうを選えらぶ選挙せんきょ「コンクラーベ」の行方ゆくえは

The funeral of Pope Francis of the Roman Catholic Church was held on the 26th, and attention is now focused on the outcome of the conclave, the election to choose a new pope, which is expected to begin as early as early May.

The funeral of Pope Francis of the Roman Catholic Church was held on the 26th, attended by world leaders including U.S. President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky.

A large number of believers from around the world also gathered for the funeral, and Italian media reported that about 400,000 people gathered along the roads around St. Peters Basilica in the Vatican and the cathedral in Rome where the burial took place.

From now on, a conclave—an election to choose a new pope—will be held by the cardinals, who hold the highest rank after the pope.

Conclave is an election in which cardinals under the age of 80 can vote, and in principle, it is to begin within 15 to 20 days after the popes death.

This time, there is a strong view that it may begin as early as early May, but if the cardinals have already gathered, it is possible to start earlier, and the official schedule will be decided soon by the cardinals at the meeting.

Western media have listed several names as strong candidates for the next pope, including Cardinal Pietro Parolin, a close aide to Pope Francis; Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi, who visited Russia and Ukraine as the popes envoy; and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines, who would be the first Asian to be chosen as pope.

Voting takes place in the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican, and when a new pope is chosen, white smoke rises from the chapels chimney and bells are rung, so the outcome of the election draws much attention.