New pope will be announced on May 7, Vatican confirming 133 cardinals to vote.

The Vatican has officially confirmed that 133 Cardinal electors will participate in the May 7 conclave, marking the first time in Church history that a papal election will exceed the traditional limit of 120 electors.

This unprecedented development was made public today following a formal declaration by the College of Cardinals, which recognized the right of all 133 eligible Cardinals to vote. The move tacitly overrides the numerical cap set by the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis.

Despite the 120-elector rule established by Pope Paul VI in 1975 and reaffirmed by subsequent pontiffs, Popes John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis have all appointed more than 120 eligible electors in previous consistories.

This will be the largest conclave in modern papal history, with a global audience expected to closely watch the proceedings from St. Peter’s Square and worldwide.

Further updates expected as preparations continue at the Sistine Chapel, where the traditional white smoke signal will confirm the election of the new Successor of St. Peter.