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Cardinals gathered at the Vatican on Tuesday ahead of next week’s conclave to elect a new pope, following Monday’s announcement of the schedule.
The first vote to choose Pope Francis’ successor will take place on the afternoon of 7 May, with a two-thirds majority needed to elect the new pontiff. If no candidate emerges, cardinals will return to the Sistine Chapel the following morning to vote again.
Meanwhile, Cardinal Angelo Becciu, once seen as a papal contender, confirmed he would not take part in the conclave. Becciu, embroiled in the Vatican’s “trial of the century” over alleged financial misconduct, said he was stepping aside “for the good of the Church”.
His status had stirred debate in the wake of Pope Francis’ death.
