VATICAN CITY — The College of Cardinals convened at the Vatican on Wednesday, embarking on the critical task of selecting a new leader for the Catholic Church following the death of Pope Francis. Francis, who served as the church’s 266th pontiff, passed away on Easter Monday after more than a decade of service.
The conclave, a moment steeped in tradition and solemnity, will take place in the renowned Sistine Chapel, where the cardinals will cast their votes in secrecy. A total of 133 eligible cardinals are expected to participate in the election.
The proceedings commenced with a traditional Holy Mass, known as Pro Eligendo Romano Pontefice, held at 10 a.m. local time in St. Peter’s Basilica. Following the mass, the cardinals gathered for the Litany of Saints at the Pauline Chapel in the Apostolic Palace before making their way to the Sistine Chapel.
Each cardinal who is eligible to vote must take an oath promising to uphold the responsibilities associated with the role of the pope, a commitment referred to as the “Munus Petrinium.”
As the ceremony unfolds, the Master of Pontifical Liturgical Ceremonies will announce “extra omnes,” a Latin phrase requesting that all non-voting individuals exit the chapel. This signals the start of the private deliberations among the cardinal electors.
After this formal introduction, Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, the Preacher Emeritus of the Papal Household, will guide a meditation, providing the cardinals with spiritual grounding before they enter the voting phase.
Voting will begin on Wednesday evening, with the cardinals casting their first ballots. If a new pontiff is not elected in this initial round, the cardinals will continue to vote four times daily: two sessions in the morning and two in the evening.
After each round of voting, the ballots will be burned, with the resulting smoke signaling the outcome to the outside world. Black smoke indicates that a new leader has not been selected, while white smoke will confirm the election of a new pope.
As this momentous occasion unfolds, the Catholic community and the wider world look on, awaiting the announcement of the church’s new leader who will carry on its mission and legacy. The conclave represents not only the continuity of spiritual leadership but also a significant moment for the global Catholic faithful as they seek guidance and renewal in a changing world.