The Cardinals are set to move into their accommodations at the Vatican on Tuesday, gearing up for the Conclave—a pivotal and confidential gathering aimed at electing a new Pope.
Following the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, a total of 133 Cardinal Electors will assemble in the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday for an election that could extend for hours, days, or even months.
Typically, they reside in the Santa Marta guesthouse, which offers hotel-like amenities including private bathrooms and room service, but there simply aren’t enough rooms available.
This conclave stands out as the most diverse, featuring representatives from 70 countries across five continents.
Consequently, some Cardinals will be accommodated in Santa Marta Vecchia, a nearby facility usually designated for Vatican officials.
They’ll find out their assigned rooms through a draw on Tuesday, right before the Wednesday morning Mass, which takes place before the Conclave kicks off.
While both Francis and his predecessor, Benedict XVI, were elected within a mere two days, the record for the longest papal election in Church history lasted an astonishing 1,006 days from 1268 to 1271.
On Tuesday morning, Cardinal Electors under 80 and other older Cardinals participated in the final prep meeting leading up to the Conclave.
Topics previously discussed included Vatican finances, abuse scandals, church unity, and the profile of the next Pope.
Cardinal Jean Paul Vesco from Algeria shared with Corriere della Cerra daily that the meetings held since Francis’ death have fostered connections among a diverse group of Cardinals.
“We come from so many different nations. Many of us hadn’t met before, and now we finally get to know each other,” he remarked.
He mentioned that there are “at least five or six” candidates being considered.
“It’s going to happen.”
“Some of the candidates are more ‘natural,’ already recognized for their roles and personalities. There are others who are seen as quite strong,” he elaborated.
“But let’s be honest: no one ‘defeats’ anyone else who they think is ‘the one.’ Yet, that’s how it’ll unfold,” Vesco added.
Francis was known for his dynamic reformist approach during his tenure in Buenos Aires, pushing for openness in the church, though critics argue he didn’t sufficiently uphold vital Catholic teachings.
The pressing question now is whether his successor might continue this progressive trend or opt for a more conservative and traditional approach.
Having appointed about 80% of the current cardinal electors, experts suggest that his successor may take the Church in a direction that could surprise many.
The Cardinals are bound by confidentiality, facing potential excommunication for divulging what occurs during the Conclave. They are also prohibited from communicating with the outside world until a decision is reached.
The Vatican announced on Monday that it would disrupt telephone signals within the Vatican City starting at 3 PM (1300 GMT) on Wednesday until the new Pope is chosen, although St. Peter’s Square will remain unaffected.
Cardinals must surrender their phones as the voting begins. Progress is communicated to the public through the burning of ballots, producing white smoke when a new Pope is designated.
All staff members assisting during the election—ranging from medical personnel to dining and cleaning crews—have also been sworn to secrecy, taking oaths on Monday.
