A significant moment in Catholic history arrives as 133 cardinals enter the conclave to elect a new pope, following the passing of Pope Francis.
Voting Commences for New Pope as Conclave Begins in Vatican City
Voting Commences for New Pope as Conclave Begins in Vatican City
Cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel for the historic election of the 267th pontiff.
In a solemn ceremony on Wednesday evening, the Sistine Chapel will witness the election of the Catholic Church's 267th pope, marking a critical juncture in its history. The process starts at 10:00 (09:00 BST) with a mass at St. Peter's Basilica, officiated by Cardinal Dean Giovanni Battista Re, who oversaw the funeral of Pope Francis.
As the afternoon progresses, mobile communications within Vatican territory will be disabled to preserve the secrecy of the conclave. At approximately 16:15 (15:15 BST), the electors will convene in the Pauline Chapel and proceed to the Sistine Chapel in a liturgical procession, calling upon the Holy Spirit through hymns like "Veni Creator."
Once gathered, the cardinals will swear an oath of secrecy, committing to keep the election details confidential. Following this, a meditation session will initiate the conclave officially as Cardinal Diego Ravelli announces "extra omnes," signifying the beginning of their isolation. Despite the term suggesting confinement, the entrances to the Apostolic Palace have merely been sealed to maintain privacy.
Ballot papers will be distributed, and the cardinals will commence their first vote imminently. Historically, the first vote often yields scattered choices, hence the importance of identifying frontrunners. "It's almost like a political campaign… an effort by the body to find consensus," explains commentator Austen Ivereigh. Should no two-thirds majority emerge, the proceedings will extend into the night, allowing for private discussions among the electors.
Throughout the conclave, the cardinals will dine at guesthouse Casa Santa Marta under conditions of secrecy. Their meals will be simple, with wine offered but no spirits, maintaining the solemnity of the occasion. After morning mass and breakfast around 06:30 (05:30 BST), the cardinals will engage in further voting sessions, with the experience of past conclaves suggesting a potential resolution in a short timespan.
As discussions unfold within the Chapel, thousands of supporters await outside, eyes fixed on the task of determining their next leader while anticipating the signal of a new pope—a white plume of smoke billowing from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, an event steeped in tradition and hope for the faithful.
As the afternoon progresses, mobile communications within Vatican territory will be disabled to preserve the secrecy of the conclave. At approximately 16:15 (15:15 BST), the electors will convene in the Pauline Chapel and proceed to the Sistine Chapel in a liturgical procession, calling upon the Holy Spirit through hymns like "Veni Creator."
Once gathered, the cardinals will swear an oath of secrecy, committing to keep the election details confidential. Following this, a meditation session will initiate the conclave officially as Cardinal Diego Ravelli announces "extra omnes," signifying the beginning of their isolation. Despite the term suggesting confinement, the entrances to the Apostolic Palace have merely been sealed to maintain privacy.
Ballot papers will be distributed, and the cardinals will commence their first vote imminently. Historically, the first vote often yields scattered choices, hence the importance of identifying frontrunners. "It's almost like a political campaign… an effort by the body to find consensus," explains commentator Austen Ivereigh. Should no two-thirds majority emerge, the proceedings will extend into the night, allowing for private discussions among the electors.
Throughout the conclave, the cardinals will dine at guesthouse Casa Santa Marta under conditions of secrecy. Their meals will be simple, with wine offered but no spirits, maintaining the solemnity of the occasion. After morning mass and breakfast around 06:30 (05:30 BST), the cardinals will engage in further voting sessions, with the experience of past conclaves suggesting a potential resolution in a short timespan.
As discussions unfold within the Chapel, thousands of supporters await outside, eyes fixed on the task of determining their next leader while anticipating the signal of a new pope—a white plume of smoke billowing from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, an event steeped in tradition and hope for the faithful.
