As the Vatican prepares for the first papal conclave in over a decade, 133 cardinal electors will be confined within the sacred walls, tasked with selecting the next pope after the passing of Pope Francis on April 21. The conclave starts today following a solemn Mass at St. Peter's Basilica, with cardinal electors set to march to the Sistine Chapel at 4:30 p.m. local time. The longstanding tradition shows that cardinals are entirely isolated from the outside world once the conclave begins, highlighting the gravity and secrecy of this pivotal moment in the Catholic Church.
Papal Conclave: A New Era Awaits as Cardinals Gather
Papal Conclave: A New Era Awaits as Cardinals Gather
The electing of a new pope unfolds in the Vatican amid significant preparations and high hopes.
The conclave follows a meticulously planned schedule, with meetings held beforehand to discuss key issues facing the Church. Considering the preparations, such as securing the Sistine Chapel from tourists and arranging the ballot incineration method, the Vatican administration has been diligent in ensuring everything proceeds seamlessly.
When the master of ceremonies announces "extra omnes," signaling the exit of all but the voting cardinals, the conclave will officially commence. For the next few days, these cardinals are tasked with seeking a two-thirds majority agreement for the new pontiff, marking the start of an important chapter in the Church's history. White smoke from the chapel's chimney will signal the world when a decision has been reached.
As these events unfold in real-time, the significance of this conclave resonates throughout the Catholic community and beyond, connecting millions who await the successor of Pope Francis.
When the master of ceremonies announces "extra omnes," signaling the exit of all but the voting cardinals, the conclave will officially commence. For the next few days, these cardinals are tasked with seeking a two-thirds majority agreement for the new pontiff, marking the start of an important chapter in the Church's history. White smoke from the chapel's chimney will signal the world when a decision has been reached.
As these events unfold in real-time, the significance of this conclave resonates throughout the Catholic community and beyond, connecting millions who await the successor of Pope Francis.
