Vatican City, May 1 (HBTV): The College of Cardinals has acknowledged that all 133 cardinal electors will have the right to vote in the upcoming conclave, according to Vatican News.

The Holy See Press Office released a declaration prepared by the Cardinals gathered in the General Congregation on Wednesday. The statement affirms that all Cardinal electors present at the conclave have the right to vote for the new Pope.

According to Vatican News, the Cardinals referenced paragraph 33 of the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, which governs the conclave and traditionally limits the number of voting Cardinals to 120. However, they noted that the late Pope Francis had exceeded this limit by creating more than 120 Cardinals under the age of 80. The Cardinals stated that, in line with paragraph 36 of the same Apostolic Constitution, those created and published by the Pope have acquired the right to participate in the election of the Roman Pontiff.

The declaration also acknowledged Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu’s decision not to participate in the conclave set to begin on May 7.

'The Congregation has taken note that he, having at heart the good of the Church and to contribute to the communion and serenity of the conclave, has communicated his decision not to participate in it,' the declaration stated, as quoted by Vatican News.

The Cardinals also expressed hope that the 'competent juridical bodies may definitively ascertain the facts' concerning the corruption case against Cardinal Becciu.

The process to elect the next Pope will begin with the Cardinals assembling for the conclave on May 7, as decided during the Fifth General Congregation held on Monday morning in the Vatican's Synod Hall.

The conclave will take place inside the Sistine Chapel, which will be closed to visitors during the election period. It will be preceded by a solemn Eucharistic celebration with the votive Mass Pro Eligendo Papa, attended by the Cardinal electors. In the afternoon, the electors will proceed in a solemn procession to the Sistine Chapel, where the conclave will begin.

All election procedures occur exclusively within the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, which will be completely sealed off until the election concludes. During this period, the Cardinal electors are forbidden from sending or receiving messages, making phone calls, or accessing newspapers, magazines, radio, or television broadcasts, except in cases of extreme urgency.

To validly elect a new Pope, a two-thirds majority of the Cardinal electors present is required. After each round of voting, the ballots are burned. If no Pope is elected, black smoke will rise from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel. If a new Pope is elected, white smoke will signal the conclusion.

Following the successful election, the Cardinal Proto-Deacon will address the faithful with the proclamation: Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum; Habemus Papam (I announce to you a great joy; we have a Pope).

Immediately after, the newly elected Pope will deliver the Urbi et Orbi Apostolic Blessing from the Loggia of St Peter’s Basilica.

(ANI)