The Vatican has announced that two cardinals will be absent from the upcoming conclave due to health reasons. This announcement was made on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, by Matteo Bruni, the spokesman for the Holy See. The conclave, which will elect the successor to Pope Francis, is set to begin on May 7, 2025, in the Sistine Chapel. With the absence of these two cardinals, the total number of cardinal electors has now decreased to 133.
Bruni did not disclose the identities of the absent cardinals, one of whom is Spanish and the other Bosnian. The decision to exclude them from the voting process highlights the health challenges that some members of the clergy face, especially in light of the significant responsibilities that come with participating in the election of a new pope.
During the sixth General Congregation held on the same day, Bruni reported that 183 cardinals were present, with 124 being eligible to vote. This congregation, which started at 9:00 AM local time, included a prayer session followed by a 40-minute meditation led by Dom Donato Ogliari, the abbot of São Paulo. The meeting concluded at 12:30 PM local time, focusing on the challenges facing the Church and the ways it can respond to modern needs.
Among the topics discussed were social issues, individualism, relativism, and the centrality of Jesus in addressing the needs of today’s world. The cardinals emphasized the importance of consolation, evangelization, and the Church's responsibility for peace, reflecting a broad range of perspectives from their diverse backgrounds.
The conclave's schedule is carefully planned, with significant events leading up to the election. On May 7, 2025, at 10:00 AM local time (5:00 AM in Brasília time), a Mass "pro eligendo Pontifice" will be celebrated in St. Peter's Basilica, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re. This Mass marks the spiritual preparation for the cardinal electors as they prepare to choose the next pope.
Later that day, at 4:30 PM local time (11:30 AM in Brasília time), the cardinal electors will gather in prayer in the Pauline Chapel before proceeding in procession to the Sistine Chapel, officially beginning the conclave. This solemn procession is a tradition that underscores the gravity of the task at hand, as the cardinals seek divine guidance in their decision.
In addition to the election itself, the swearing-in of the officials and employees of the conclave will take place on Monday, May 5, 2025, at 5:30 PM local time (12:30 PM in Brasília time) in the Pauline Chapel. This ceremony will include all those, both clerical and lay, who have been approved by the Cardinal Camerlengo and the three assisting cardinals.
The officials required for the conclave include the secretary of the College of Cardinals, the master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations, pontifical ceremonies, and other key personnel. They are tasked with ensuring that the conclave proceeds smoothly and in accordance with the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, which outlines the procedures for electing a new pope.
As the world watches, the upcoming conclave is not just a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church but also a significant event for millions of Catholics and observers around the globe. With the passing of Pope Francis, the election of a new pope will shape the future direction of the Church, addressing contemporary issues and guiding the faithful.
The absence of the two cardinals due to health issues serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the clergy, particularly as they navigate the demands of their roles in a changing world. The conclave will reflect not only the spiritual leadership of the Church but also the practical realities of its members.
As preparations continue, the cardinals are likely to engage in further discussions about the pressing issues that the Church must confront. The insights shared during the General Congregation will undoubtedly inform their deliberations as they seek a leader who can inspire hope and unity among Catholics worldwide.
In summary, the conclave scheduled for May 7, 2025, will be a momentous occasion, marked by the absence of two cardinals and the presence of 133 electors who will determine the future of the papacy. The discussions leading up to the conclave have already highlighted the diverse perspectives within the Church, and the upcoming events will further shape the narrative of this significant election.
