Currently, the cardinals are isolated from external communication as they prepare for the conclave to elect a new pope. They can cast votes four times daily, and while the recent conclaves in 2005 and 2013 concluded in just two days, the commencement of this conclave is intentionally delayed to allow cardinals to engage and build consensus. Although any baptized Catholic man could be elected, it's improbable that anyone other than a cardinal will be selected, particularly since voting eligibility is limited to cardinals under 80 years of age at the popeâs passing.
This conclave could have begun on May 5, but the delayed starting date of May 7 might allow the cardinals to get to know one another better and find consensus on a candidate or at least the frontrunners.
Technically, any baptised Catholic man could become the next pontiff, but it is highly unlikely the chosen one would be anyone other than a cardinal.
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