The Vatican has officially confirmed that the meeting of cardinals to elect a new pope, known as the conclave, will begin on May 7, Reuters reports, BTA reports.
Earlier, Reuters sources also reported the same date, explaining that she was elected at a closed meeting of cardinals in the Vatican.
About 135 cardinals under the age of 80 from around the world have the right to vote in the conclave. They will elect the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church, which unites 1.4 billion people around the world.
It was previously reported that the Sistine Chapel will be closed to tourists starting today in preparation for the conclave. The meeting will be held in this historic chapel, built in the 16th century, which currently functions as a museum.