The Catholic Cardinals are gathering at the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday to elect a new Pope following the passing of Pope Francis. With 133 electors involved, the focus is on finding a leader who can unify a church that reflects a variety of views.
In a long-standing tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages, these electors will take solemn vows of secrecy beneath Michelangelo’s famous fresco depicting the Last Judgment. They will cast their votes for the first time in their quest for Pope Francis’s successor.
Historically, it’s rare for a Pope to be elected on the first day of a conclave; the voting might stretch over several days until a candidate earns the requisite two-thirds majority to become the 267th Pope. On the first day, there will only be one vote, but afterward, up to four votes may occur each day.
As the Cardinals entered the chapel, they participated in a Latin chant known as the Saint Rittany, a ritual that underscores the gravity of their task. It is said they will pray for guidance from a community of nearly 100 saints as they approach what could be the most significant decision of their lives.
After promising their oaths, Archbishop Diego Ravelli will issue the command “Extra Omnes!” in Latin, signaling everyone not involved in the conclave to leave as the heavy wooden doors are sealed shut.
The only outward sign of the Cardinals’ decisions will be the smoke from the chapel’s chimney: black indicating a failed vote and white signifying the election of a new Pope, which would affect 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
Seeking “Attentive Care”
Before entering the Conclave, the Cardinals prayed at St. Peter’s Cathedral, asking for divine guidance in selecting a Pope who embodies “attentive care” for the global community.
During his sermon, Italian Cardinal Giovanni Batista reminded his fellow Cardinals to choose a new Pope while setting aside any personal ambitions, focusing solely on the church’s and humanity’s needs. This is reflective of the various opinions being voiced among the Cardinals; some desire continuity with Francis’s reformist vision, while others yearn for a return to more traditional values.
A record number of 133 Cardinals from 70 different countries are expected, a jump from 115 Cardinals from 48 countries during the last conclave in 2013. Potential frontrunners include Cardinal Pietro Parolin from Italy and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines, though no clear favorites have emerged yet.
If these candidates seem unlikely to reach the necessary majority, the electors may redirect their votes based on factors like geographical origin or shared doctrinal beliefs.
Other possible contenders may comprise Jean-Marc Abelin from France, Peter Eldo from Hungary, Robert Prevast from America, and Piabattista Pizzabara from Italy. Cardinal Re, aged 91 and unable to attend the conclave, suggested that the Cardinals should choose a Pope who values the church’s diversity. He highlighted that “unity does not mean uniformity” in his sermon.
Historically, recent conclaves have lasted only a few days, with the last one in 2013 wrapping up in just two days. This time, the Cardinals aim to reach a decision quickly to dispel any notions of division within the church.
Notably, roughly 80% of the cardinals have been appointed by Pope Francis, suggesting that his successor may likely continue his progressive policies amidst resistance from traditionalists. Questions linger about whether the next Pope might come from the increasingly influential Global South, similar to Francis’s election from Argentina, or if it might be time for a Pope from Europe or even the United States.
