London and Rome – Cardinal Baghdad, Louis Raphael Sako, reportedly told journalists to the Vatican on Tuesday that he expects a “short conclave” who could select Pope Francis’ successor as little as two days.
“It will be a short conclave, two, three days,” said Sako, quoted by the Ansa Italian news agency, addressing journalists before today’s general congregation.
“There is a very fraternal atmosphere and a spirit of responsibility,” said the cardinal.
When asked if he had an idea of whom he would vote to become the new pope, Sako replied: “I have a very clear idea but I can’t say it.”
Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako arrives for a general congregation meeting at the Vatican, Rome, Italy, April 29, 2025.
Louisa Gouliamaki / Reuters
The conclave to elect the 267th head of the Catholic church will begin on Wednesday May 7, the Vatican announced on Monday. The cardinals will meet at the Vatican to start the process.
Francis, who died last Monday at the age of 88, was buried on Saturday in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome.
Kevin Shalvey of ABC News contributed to this report.
