Conclave to elect the next pope will commence on May 7 : NPR

Cardinals mourn Pope Francis in Rome over the weekend.

Vatican Pool WO/Getty Images/Vatican pool/Getty Images

hide caption

toggle caption

Vatican Pool WO/Getty Images/Vatican pool/Getty Images

The conclave to elect the next pope will commence on May 7, according to the Vatican.

The decision was made at the Fifth General Congregation, held on Monday morning in the Vatican’s Synod Hall. The conclave will take place in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, which will remain closed to visitors during those days.

According to the Vatican, there are currently 135 cardinal electors eligible to vote in the conclavethough the number who will attend and vote is not yet confirmed.

In order to be elected pope, a two-thirds majority of electors present is required.