Conclave Begins: Cardinals to Elect New Pope
VATICAN CITY (AP) — The solemn conclave to select the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church commenced on Wednesday as 133 cardinals from 70 countries entered the historic confines of the Vatican. This follows the passing of Pope Francis, who died in April at the age of 88.
The Process of Secrecy and Contemplation
Sequestered within the Sistine Chapel, the cardinals will engage in a series of secret votes, pursuing both silence and contemplation during their deliberations. To maintain the integrity of this sacred process, they will surrender their mobile devices and the Vatican will implement communication jamming to prevent any outside interference.
Anticipating the New Pope’s Name
Speculation about the new pope’s name is swirling, with possibilities including Petrus, Robertus, or Ioannes, and potentially others like Claudius or Christophorus. The announcement will occur in Latin, beginning with the proclamation, “Habemus Papam!” (“We have a pope!”). Following this declaration, the new pope’s birth name and chosen papal name will also be revealed in Latin.
Preparations and Security Measures
Prior to the conclave, a morning Mass was held in St. Peter’s Basilica. The Cardinals were then expected to return to their residences before being locked inside for their sacred duty. As safety remains paramount, Rome is under heightened security with over 4,000 officers and various protective measures in place.
Defining Expectations
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals, has urged his fellow cardinals to prioritize unity and the common good over personal interests during the voting process. He emphasized this responsibility during his sermon preceding the conclave, reminding attendees of the importance of communion within the Church.
Understanding the Voting Process
The election mechanism involves the cardinals casting paper ballots until one candidate secures a two-thirds majority, which requires 89 votes. Should a decision not be reached after the initial rounds, black smoke will billow from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling continued deliberation. Conversely, white smoke will indicate the selection of a new pope.
Global Reactions: A Call for Inclusivity
In locations such as Manila, Philippines, groups have gathered to pray for a leader who embraces humility and inclusivity, echoing sentiments from Rev. Robert Reyes, who highlighted the need for the next pope to connect with the marginalized.
Conclusion
As the conclave unfolds, the world watches with bated breath to see who will emerge as the next pontiff, a figure who will lead a Church of 1.4 billion members and address pressing global challenges. With a commitment to their sacred task, the cardinals are set to embark on this significant journey within the Vatican’s sacred walls.