The Pending Vatican Decision: Conclave Begins for the selection of the Next Pope
Doors have remained locked since 17:46 local time.
The world's anticipation is mounting: A Conclave to elect the new Pope has commenced, marking the conclusion of over a decade since the last one. The Sistine Chapel's door was sealed at exactly 17:46, with only the red-robed cardinals, amounting to 133, remaining inside to choose the successor of the late Pope Francis.
All eyes are fixed on a small chimney. The world awaits signs of white smoke, indicative of a new leader for the Roman Catholic Church. It might take some time for the 267th Pope in the church's two-thousand-year history to be announced, though it's generally expected that the decision will be made by the end of the week.
In case you missed it, the first ballot took place in the afternoon. Smoke will Ascend from the newly installed chimney between 19:00 and 20:00. Initial reports suggest it'll be black, signifying no decision yet. However, if white appears, we have a new Pope! To ensure the color stands out, some chemicals are added during the smoke production. On rare occasions, it might be gray.
While the cardinals are sequestered, they reside at the Vatican guesthouse, Santa Marta. There, they are isolated from the outside world, giving up all their digital devices, including mobile phones. These evenings are dedicated to conversations, prayers, or reading.
Since the 1960s, all Conclaves have concluded within two or three days. However, this time might be different, as the assembly is larger and more internationally represented than ever before. Given that Pope Francis has encouraged many new church leaders, particularly from distant countries, a two-thirds majority requires 89 votes this time around.
Before the Conclave officially commenced, the cardinals transferred solemnly from the Pauline Chapel to the Sistine Chapel, where they took an oath, promising to adhere to the rules and maintain absolute secrecy regarding what happens behind the chapel door. Sometimes, however, a few details leak later, as Pope Francis did with his election in 2013.
Prior to the voting, the cardinals attended a solemn Mass in St. Peter's Basilica, led by the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista. Despite his advanced age, the Dean himself is not participating in the Conclave. The assembly will be led by the highest-ranking eligible cardinal, Pietro Parolin. Known as the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Parolin was Francis’ second-in-command, leaving him as a strong candidate for the papacy.
Other prominent Italian candidates include Bologna's Archbishop, Matteo Zuppi, and the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pierbattista Pizzaballa. Worldwide contenders include Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines, Jean-Marc-Aveline from France, José Tolentino de Mendonça from Portugal, Peter Erdő from Hungary, and Jean-Claude Hollerich from Luxembourg.
These candidates represent a diverse array of perspectives within the church, including progressive and conservative viewpoints, as well as various regions around the globe, highlighting the church's increasing global orientation.
The Vatican's decision concerning the successor of Pope Francis is influenced by international politics, as the Conclave consists of 133 cardinals from numerous countries.
In the midst of general-news, the world waits for a new Pope, as the selected cardinals gather in isolation at the Vatican guesthouse.
The suggestion of a progressive Pope is a significant signal, as contenders such as Jean-Claude Hollerich from Luxembourg and Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines are among the candidates.
A two-thirds majority, equivalent to 89 votes, is a unlikely challenge due to the increased international representation within this Conclave compared to previous ones in the Catholic Church's history.
