India, April 28 -- The Holy See Press Office announced on Monday that the conclave to elect a new Pope will begin on May 7.

"The Cardinals present in Rome made the decision on Monday at their fifth General Congregation. The conclave will take place in the Vatican's Sistine Chapel, which remain closed to visitors during those days," The Vatican wrote on X.

The announcement of the event was high on the agenda of cardinals holding informal meetings to decide on the affairs of the Catholic Church after the death of Pope Francis on April 21. The announcement of the date was deferred till his funeral on Saturday.

The College of Cardinals, a smaller group of 135 is eligible to elect the new Pope. The Vatican said that more than 180 cardinals ...