Cardinals to elect new Pope in conclave starting May 6

With Pope Francis's death on April 21, cardinals under 80 years old will convene at the Vatican to elect his successor through a secret ballot process known as a conclave.

Of the 252 cardinals worldwide, only 137 are eligible voters who will participate in this pivotal event.

As per the rules outlined in Universi Dominici Gregis, voting must start no sooner than 15 days after Francis's passing.

Cardinals cast ballots twice daily until a two-thirds majority is achieved; black smoke signals an ongoing vote while white smoke indicates the election of a new Pope.

Upon selection, the new Pope chooses his papal name and is officially announced from St. Peter’s Basilica with the declaration 'Habemus Papam!'