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Cardinals have begun arriving in Rome to prepare for the election of a new Pope.
The Conclave—an ancient and meticulously organized ritual to elect a new pontiff—will officially begin on Wednesday, May 7. In preparation, the cardinals are moving into Vatican accommodations where they will reside throughout the election process.
Traditionally, the cardinals stay at the Vatican’s Santa Marta guesthouse, which offers en-suite bathrooms and hotel-style services. However, due to limited space, not all attendees can be accommodated there.
On Monday afternoon, Vatican News confirmed that 170 cardinals, including 132 eligible to vote, took part in the 11th General Congregation—a key pre-conclave meeting. According to Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni, discussions focused on major themes such as the faith of migrants, ethnocentrism, ongoing conflicts in Asia and Africa, and the future of the Church in a divided world.
“The cardinals outlined the figure of a pastoral Pope,” Bruni said, “with a focus on dialogue and building relationships.”
