Roman Catholic cardinals are set to begin the process of electing a new pope, isolating themselves from the outside world until they determine who can best unite a diverse yet divided global Church.
This afternoon, the 133 cardinals will enter the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel after a public mass held earlier today at St. Peter’s Basilica, initiating their secret conclave to find a successor to Pope Francis, who passed away last month.
Historically, no pope has been elected on the first day of a conclave for centuries, meaning the voting process may extend for several days before one cardinal secures the required two-thirds majority to become the 267th pontiff.
Only one ballot will take place today. After that, the cardinals may vote up to four times a day.
The pope’s role extends far beyond the Catholic Church, offering a moral voice and ethical guidance unmatched by any other global leader.
During a Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica this morning prior to entering the conclave, the cardinals prayed for divine assistance in selecting a pope to exercise “watchful care” over the world.
In his sermon, Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re urged his fellow cardinals to set aside “every personal consideration” in their choice of the new pontiff, focusing solely on “the good of the Church and of humanity.”
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re emphasized the need for cardinals to put aside personal views when electing a new pope.
At 91 years old, Cardinal Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals, will not participate in the conclave, which is limited to cardinals under 80.
“We come to seek the help of the Holy Spirit, imploring his light and strength so that the elected pope may be the one whom the Church and humanity require at this challenging and complex moment in history,” Cardinal Battista Re stated during the mass.
“This is also a powerful call to maintain the Church’s unity… a unity that does not imply uniformity but rather a deep communion in diversity.”
Recently, cardinals have expressed a range of opinions regarding the qualities they seek in the next pontiff.
While some advocate for continuity with Francis’s vision of greater openness and reform, others favor a return to traditional practices.
Many have indicated a desire for a more predictable and measured papacy.
Salvadoran Cardinal Gregorio Rosa Chavez expressed confidence that the cardinals would not abandon Pope Francis’s vision for the Church.
“There will not be a step backwards,” Rosa Chavez, 82, told the Corriere della Sera newspaper. “It is not possible.”
“Whoever is chosen, I believe it will be a pope who continues the work initiated by Francis,” he added.
Small crowds gathered at St. Peter’s Square during the special mass preceding the conclave.
A record 133 cardinals from 70 countries will enter the Sistine Chapel, an increase from 115 cardinals hailing from 48 nations during the last conclave in 2013—reflecting Pope Francis’s efforts to broaden the Church’s reach into regions with fewer Catholics.
No clear frontrunner has emerged yet, but Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle are viewed as leading candidates.
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No eavesdropping
However, if it becomes evident that neither candidate can secure enough votes, support may shift toward other contenders, with electors possibly rallying around geographical, doctrinal, or linguistic similarities.
Other potential candidates include France’s Jean-Marc Aveline, Hungary’s Peter Erdő, American Robert Prevost, and Italy’s Pierbattista Pizzaballa.
“Wait and see. Patience is key,” Italian Cardinal Mario Zenari advised reporters.
Voting desks for the 133 cardinals have been arranged beneath Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes.
During the conclave, the cardinals will be prohibited from communicating with the outside world, and the Vatican has implemented advanced security measures to guarantee secrecy, including jamming devices to thwart any eavesdropping.
The average duration of the last ten conclaves was just over three days, with none exceeding five days.
The procession of cardinals into the Sistine Chapel will commence this afternoon and will be broadcast live on the RTÉ News Channel.
The 2013 conclave lasted just two days.
The cardinals aim to conclude the process swiftly again this time to avoid any perception of division or a Church in disarray.
Approximately 80% of the cardinals entering the Sistine Chapel were appointed by Pope Francis, which increases the likelihood that his successor will continue his progressive policies despite significant resistance from traditionalists.
As they deliberate, they will consider whether to elect a pope from the global south, where congregations are expanding, replicate the 2013 strategy of choosing an Argentinian like Francis, return leadership to Europe, or even select the first pope from the United States.
