Cardinals will begin moving into Vatican accommodations on Tuesday ahead of Wednesday’s highly anticipated conclave to elect a new pope, following the death of Pope Francis on April 21.
A total of 133 cardinal electors from 70 countries across five continents will gather in the Sistine Chapel for the secretive process, making this the most international and diverse conclave in the Church’s history. The election could last hours, days, or even weeks—though recent popes, including Francis and Benedict XVI, were elected within two days.
Due to limited capacity at the Vatican’s Santa Marta guesthouse, where cardinals usually stay, some will be accommodated in Santa Marta Vecchia, a neighboring residence typically used by Vatican officials. Rooms will be assigned by drawing lots, and cardinals will settle in before the traditional pre-conclave Mass on Wednesday morning.
Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote. On Tuesday morning, they held the final in a series of preparatory meetings, which have addressed topics such as Church unity, Vatican finances, and the clergy abuse crisis.
Speaking to Corriere della Sera, Franco-Algerian Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco noted that the meetings have helped bridge gaps among cardinals unfamiliar with each other. He said at least five or six contenders have emerged, though no clear favorite has yet united the group.
“There are the natural candidates, known for their roles and personalities, and others who speak and make you think, ‘that’s strong.’ But no one has clearly stood out yet. Still, it will happen,” Vesco said.
The key question for many is whether the next pope will continue Francis’s progressive reforms or steer the Church in a more conservative direction. Though Francis appointed about 80% of the current electors, Vatican observers warn that this doesn’t guarantee a like-minded successor.
To preserve the conclave’s secrecy, the Vatican will disable mobile networks within its territory from 3:00 p.m. (1300 GMT) on Wednesday until a new pope is elected. Cardinals must leave their phones behind and are forbidden from contacting the outside world during the conclave. Anyone breaking secrecy risks excommunication.
The world will learn of the outcome through the traditional smoke signals from the Sistine Chapel: black smoke signals no decision; white smoke signals the election of a new pope.
Support staff—including medics, canteen workers, lift operators, and cleaners—have also taken oaths of secrecy to protect the integrity of the process.
AFP
