133 Cardinals Arrive in Rome for Conclave
- VATICAN CITY (AP) — All 133 cardinal electors have arrived in Rome, the Vatican announced Monday, clearing the path for the conclave to elect the successor to Pope...
- The cardinal electors, those under 80 years of age, will convene in the Sistine Chapel to begin the secret balloting process.
- In a visible sign of the conclave's imminent start,technicians used a crane Monday morning to install red curtains on the balcony of St.
Cardinals Gather in Rome, Conclave too Elect New Pope Set to Begin
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VATICAN CITY (AP) — All 133 cardinal electors have arrived in Rome, the Vatican announced Monday, clearing the path for the conclave to elect the successor to Pope Francis.The election process is scheduled to begin Wednesday.
The cardinal electors, those under 80 years of age, will convene in the Sistine Chapel to begin the secret balloting process. Voting will continue until one candidate secures the required two-thirds majority,thus becoming the leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.
In a visible sign of the conclave’s imminent start,technicians used a crane Monday morning to install red curtains on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. The newly elected pope will make his first public appearance from this balcony.
Cardinals Discuss Priorities for Next Pontiff
Prior to the conclave, the cardinals, both electors and non-electors, are participating in “general congregations,” closed-door meetings to discuss the qualities desired in the next pope and the priorities for the upcoming pontificate.
During Monday’s discussions, cardinals described the ideal future pope as “a figure that must be present, close, capable of having a role of bridge and guide” for what they termed “a disoriented humanity.”
The next pontiff will face numerous challenges, including the environmental crisis, ongoing wars, global fragmentation, and internal divisions within the Church, according to the cardinals.
Some observers have noted that the desired qualities resemble those of the late Pope Francis, whose 12-year pontificate was marked by both widespread popularity and internal opposition.
Faithful Voice Their Hopes for the Future Pope
Members of the Catholic laity are also expressing their hopes for the next pope. Isabelle gervasio, a 69-year-old retiree from saint-Raphaël, France, told The Associated Press in St. Peter’s Square that she hopes to see “the extension of what François began,” including greater rights for women.
“The day we will have the right to have priests, married religious as in certain religions, I think there are many people who will return to the Church,” Gervasio said.
Francesco Melia, a 69-year-old Italian retiree, expressed his hope for “a little more openness to young people.”
An International Conclave
Pope Francis appointed approximately 80% of the cardinal electors, notably from countries often marginalized by the Church or geographically distant from Europe. This has resulted in a conclave with a record representation of 70 countries from five continents, making it one of the most international and perhaps open in history.
Several names have emerged as potential candidates, including Italians Pietro Parolin and Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Maltese Mario Grech, Archbishop of Marseille Jean-Marc Aveline, and luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines. These individuals are considered among the “papabili,” or favorites.
Though, Vatican analyst Marco Politi cautioned that, as with the election of Jorge Bergoglio in 2013, “a surprise” is absolutely possible. Politi described the upcoming conclave as potentially “the most breathtaking…of the last fifty years.”
An old Roman saying warns,”He who enters the conclave a cardinal,leaves a pope.”
Secrecy and Ceremony
Preparations are underway inside the Vatican. The sistine Chapel has been prepared to host the ancient ceremonial traditions of the conclave, set against the backdrop of Michelangelo’s frescoes, including the iconic Last Judgment.
On Monday, staff members who will be assisting the cardinals during the conclave – including maintenance workers, cooks, and doctors – took an oath of secrecy, vowing to maintain confidentiality under penalty of excommunication.
During the conclave, the cardinals will be cut off from the outside world and will vote four times daily – twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon. The ballots will then be burned in a stove.
The world will watch the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel for smoke signals. White smoke will indicate that a pope has been elected, while black smoke will signify that no decision has been reached.
Challenges Facing the Next Pope
The 267th pope will face numerous challenges, including addressing sexual abuse scandals, declining vocations, financial crises, and serving as a moral compass in a world grappling with conflicts, the rise of populism, the development of artificial intelligence, and the ecological crisis.
The conclave has drawn significant global attention, with approximately 5,000 journalists covering the event. This interest extends beyond religious circles, as evidenced by betting pools and the release of the film “conclave,” starring Ralph Fiennes.
Cardinal jean-Paul Vesco, the archbishop of algiers, told The Associated press that the divisions among cardinals are not based on geography but rather between “those who deem it necessary to reframe things and others who call to continue the site.”
Marco Politi predicts that the next pope will likely be a figure of “consensus” capable of “mending” the different currents within the Church through greater collegiality.
Cardinals Gather in Rome: Your Questions Answered About the Upcoming Papal Conclave
Are you curious about the process of electing a new Pope? Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming conclave in Rome.
What is a Conclave?
A conclave is the gathering of the College of Cardinals to elect a new Pope. It is a period of intense secrecy and tradition within the Catholic Church. The word “conclave” comes from the Latin ”cum clave,” meaning “with a key,” referring to the locked room where cardinals meet to vote.
Why is a New Pope Being Elected Now?
The conclave is being held to elect a successor to Pope Francis, although the source article dose not specify a death.
When Will the Conclave Begin?
The election process is scheduled to begin Wednesday.
Who Participates in a Papal Conclave?
The cardinal electors, those under 80 years of age, participate in the conclave. The source content states that all 133 cardinal electors have arrived in Rome.
Where Does the Conclave Take Place?
The conclave takes place in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City.
How Does the Election Process Work?
The cardinals will convene in the Sistine Chapel to begin the secret balloting process. Voting will continue until one candidate secures the required two-thirds majority.
what Happens During Voting?
The cardinals will vote in secret. Ballots will be burned in a stove, and the smoke color will signal the outcome of the vote.
What are the smoke signals?
* White smoke: Indicates that a pope has been elected.