The Catholic Church is gearing up for a significant event. The Vatican has set May 7 as the starting date for the conclave, where cardinals will elect the new leader for the world's 1. 4 billion Catholics. This decision came after a series of closed-door meetings, known as general congregations, where cardinals discussed important church matters and prepared for the election.

        There are 135 cardinals eligible to vote, but not all will be present. Cardinal Antonio Cañizares Llovera, for instance, won't attend due to health issues. As of now, over 180 cardinals have arrived in Rome, but only about 100 are eligible voters. These cardinals have been talking about the church's future and the challenges it faces globally. They have also elected several cardinals to assist Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who is in charge of managing the church's assets during this period.

        The meetings will continue daily, except for May 1 and May 4. One notable figure, Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu, initially wanted to participate despite being a "non-elector" due to a past scandal. However, he later withdrew his request. Becciu was once a powerful figure in the Vatican but was involved in a financial scandal and stripped of his cardinal rights by Pope Francis.

        The upcoming conclave is expected to be one of the most diverse in history. Pope Francis, who passed away recently, appointed many cardinals from developing countries, including nations that had never had a cardinal before. This diversity reflects Francis' efforts to make the church more global and inclusive.

        The election process is secretive and takes place in the Sistine Chapel. The cardinals will vote until a new pope is elected with a two-thirds majority. The last two conclaves, in 2005 and 2013, each lasted only two days. This time around, the world watches to see how the church will choose its new leader and what direction it will take under the new pontiff.

        The Vatican has been preparing for this event since Pope Francis' funeral. The Sistine Chapel was closed to the public on Monday to get ready for the balloting. The world waits to see who will be the next leader of the Catholic Church and how the conclave will unfold.

The Big Vote: Choosing the Next Leader of the Catholic Church

Actions