TWO Japanese cardinals said Tuesday they plan to attend the conclave to elect the next pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church following the death of Pope Francis.
Isao Kikuchi, 66, archbishop of Tokyo, and Manyo Maeda, 76, archbishop of Osaka-Takamat-su, told Kyodo News separately a day after the pope’s death of their plans to participate in the conclave, expected to be held in early May. A conclave must be held 15 to 20 days after a pope dies.
Kikuchi said he will join the conclave after attending the funeral of Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88, while Maeda said he will only participate in the conclave.
According to the Holy See, around 140 cardinals have the right to elect a pope. Tradition-ally, a pontiff is elected from cardinals under the age of 80. — Kyodo