By Njoku Chijioke
The Vatican has announced that 135 cardinals will gather on May 7 to begin the sacred process of electing a new pope following the death of Pope Francis.
The conclave, held behind closed doors at the Sistine Chapel, will be preceded by a solemn mass at St. Peter’s Basilica.
According to tradition, a two thirds majority will be required for a candidate to emerge as the next leader of the Catholic Church.
Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88 and was laid to rest last Saturday, marking the end of a decade-long papacy that touched millions around the world.
