The Papal Election Countdown Begins: The Conclave Awaits
The door has remained shut since 17:46 hours.
The world's eyes are turned towards Rome as the Conclave to elect a new Pope commences. For over a decade, the Catholic Church has been waiting for this moment, and it's finally here. The door to the Sistine Chapel, where 133 cardinals now isolate themselves to select the successor of Pope Francis, was closed at 17:46.
Everyone else, except the cardinals dressed in red, had to evacuate the chapel following the Latin call "extra omnes." The Church could have a new leader soon, as indicated by a small chimney. White smoke from the chimney on the chapel's roof would signal a new Pope.
Knowing when the smoke will rise can be challenging. The color may first become apparent between 19:00 and 20:00. Initially, black smoke is expected, indicating no decision yet. If white, however, it means a new Pope has been chosen. The smoke is made recognizable by adding certain chemicals to the burning ballot papers. Despite these efforts, it may sometimes appear gray.
As the evening approaches, the cardinals retreat to the Vatican guesthouse, Santa Marta. Here, they will be isolated from the outside world for the entire duration of the Conclave. They must hand over their mobile phones and digital devices during their stay. The evening is their own to converse, pray, or read in preparation for the coming days.
Thursday's Rounds
Up to four ballots will take place on Thursday, two in the morning and two in the afternoon. The Conclave's name originates from the Latin "cum clave"--meaning "with a key," hence the notion of being locked in the Sistine Chapel. A two-thirds majority (89 votes this time) is needed to elect a new Pope, and some believe it may take longer than previous Conclaves to reach this number.
Since the 1960s, all Conclaves have been decided within two or three days. The cardinals began the process solemnly, moving from the Pauline Chapel to the Sistine Chapel, where they took an oath. They pledged to adhere to the rules, including a promise of absolute secrecy regarding the happening in the chapel.
Pope Contenders
This Conclave is larger and more internationally diverse than ever before. The late Pope Francis appointed many new church leaders, many of whom are from distant lands. Some of the top contenders for the papacy include:
- Cardinal Pietro Parolin: A moderate figure within the Church from Italy, he serves as the Vatican's Secretary of State. He's considered a strong candidate due to his experience in the Vatican's highest administrative position and his reputation as a sensible, moderate voice.
- Cardinal Peter Erdo: A traditionalist, but also respected by liberals, hails from Hungary. As the Archbishop of Budapest and a prominent canon lawyer, he's seen as a potential unifying force within the Church.
Other potential candidates are:
- Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline (France)
- Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa (Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem)
- Cardinal Robert Sarah (Guinea)
- Cardinal Mario Grech and Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo
While these candidates provide a mix of theological and geographical perspectives, the unpredictable nature of the conclave means that other names could rise in the race. The election of the next Pope begins the next chapter in the history of the Catholic Church.
Stay tuned for updates. Until then, let the speculation and anticipation continue.
[Sources: ntv.de, jog/dpa]
- Vatican, Catholic Church
- The upcoming Papal Election, set to take place within the Vatican, signals a significant moment for the International Catholic Church.
- Despite the relatively short timeframe for the Conclave, reaching a two-thirds majority might prove an unlikely prospect given the diversity of contenders.
- Among the most likely candidates, Pope contenders such as Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Cardinal Peter Erdo are attracting attention due to their unique views and backgrounds, aligning with the international aspects of the Vatican and the Catholic Church.
- As politics and general-news outlets continue to cover the story, the world patiently waits for the chimney smoke to signal the selection of a new Pope, potentially marking a new direction for the Catholic Church.
