Pope choice without Austrians: Who leads the conclave?
Pope choice without Austrians: Who leads the conclave?
Vatikanstadt, Italien - On April 21, 2025, Pope Francis died, which marks the beginning of an important phase for the Roman Catholic Church. Now the choice of a new head is pending by the cardinals entitled to vote in the conclave. The period for this conclave is expected to be between May 6 and 11, 2025, whereby the election must begin within 20 days after the Pope's death, but at the earliest on the 15th day, different sources report on the necessary processes.
The very first task of the Cardinal College is to meet during the Sedisvacanz to clarify the organizational details for the conclave. During this time, however, no fundamental change in the management of the church can take place. The dean of the Cardinal College will inform the cardinals about the Sedisvacanz and order it to be a conclave. The voting right to the cardinals depends on their age: According to the statutes, only those in the conclave may choose that were not yet 80 years old on April 20, 2025.
Austria's role in the conclave
A striking detail is the fact that there is no cardinal from Austria in the conclave. Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, previously an influential representative of the church, completed his 80th year of life in January 2023 and is therefore no longer entitled to vote. He will also be able to vote if the choice sounds. Despite his age limit, Schönborn will take part in the preparations for the conclave and can theoretically be chosen as passive.
Sedis vacancy and their meaning
The Sedisvacanz, the period in which the Roman Catholic Church is without a Pope, continues until a new head is chosen. During this time, the apostolic chamber takes care of the ongoing shops and concerns of the apostolic chair. According to the provisions, which were recently determined by Pope John Paul II and expanded by Pope Francis, no significant changes in the church leaders
The needs and challenges of the Roman Catholic Church become particularly clear in this transition phase. The Cardinal College, consisting of the cardinals entitled to vote, meets "General Congregations" daily to discuss the formalities for the burial of the Pope and the convening of the conclave. Historically speaking, the last Sedis vacancy, which took place in 2013, is an example of the previous handling of such transition periods.
In the coming time, the Roman Catholic Church will face decisive course, which must be made by the voters in the conclave. The upcoming choice is of immense importance, both for the church itself and for the millions of believers worldwide who hope for a clear and inspiring leadership.
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| Ort | Vatikanstadt, Italien |
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