What time is the conclave? How the Catholic Church will elect the next pope explained
In just days, Catholic cardinals from around the world will gather in conclave to choose a new spiritual leader for the 1.4 billion-strong global church.
The new pope will be the successor to Francis I, who died on April 21 at age 88 after a 12-year papacy.
Here's everything you need to know about one of the world's longest-running electoral processes.
The cardinals will soon elect a new pope. (AP)
When is the conclave?
The cardinals have selected May 7 as the date to enter conclave, the Vatican announced last week.
On that day, the cardinal electors will participate in a Eucharistic celebration known as the Mass Pro Eligendo Papa, at about 10am local time (6pm AEST May 7).
Later in the day, they will then take an oath of secrecy before the Master o...