A historic conclave is set to occur on May 7, with 133 cardinals representing a diverse range of countries gathering in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope following the death of Pope Francis. This conclave is breaking previous records not only in cardinal attendance but also in their geographical diversity, with representation from 71 nations. Analysts and historians note the unpredictability of the outcome due to the College of Cardinals' varied national and cultural backgrounds, enhancing the atmosphere of speculation surrounding potential candidates.
"It is generally more difficult to predict the outcome of the election today, since the College of Cardinals is nationally and culturally more heterogeneous," said historian Jorg Ernesti.
"Speculation is rife. Even on the day of Francis's death, many media outlets posed the question: 'Who will be next?'"
"Every cardinal is eligible for the role, and the debate about 'favourites' is being stoked by the 'Vaticanisti' the papal reporters."
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