Becciu rose to prominence and power under conservative Pope Benedict XVI and is very much affiliated with the conservative Vatican old guard. While he initially became a close adviser to Pope Francis, Becciu’s subsequent downfall at the hands of Francis might suggest he would vote for someone keen to undo some of Francis’ reforms.

The Vatican on Monday set the date for the Papal conclave amid some drama over whether a convicted cardinal will be able to attend.

Cardinals arriving for the first day of meetings after Pope Francis’ funeral were swarmed at the city-state’s gates by journalists eager for hints of whether any consensus is building around the elect

About 130 cardinals will be able to vote on a successor for Francis, and a two-thirds majority is needed to elect the new head of the Roman Catholic Church.

Pope Francis died on April 21, 2025. Many world leaders are expected to attend his funeral in Vatican City, including President Donald Trump, Prince William, and President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Pope Francis, the 266th and current pope of the Catholic Church, passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. He died in his residence at Domus Sanctae Marthae in Vatican City, following complications from a cerebral stroke and cardiac arrest.