In a centuries-old tradition shrouded in secrecy, 133 cardinals from 70 countries convened Wednesday at the Vatican, embarking on the momentous task of electing a successor to Pope Francis.
This conclave marks a historic moment, representing the most geographically diverse gathering of cardinals in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church.
Secluded from the outside world within the Vatican walls, the cardinals will surrender their mobile phones and endure electronic jamming of airwaves, ensuring complete communication blackout until a new leader is chosen for the 1.4 billion-member church.
Pope Francis, known for his focus on inclusivity, appointed 108 of the 133 participating cardinals, selecting many who share his pastoral vision from previously unrepresented nations such as Mongolia, Sweden, and Tonga.
His decision to exceed the traditional limit of 120 cardinal electors, and his emphasis on younger cardinals from the “global south” – often marginalised countries with less economic power – has introduced an unprecedented level of uncertainty into the already mysterious and suspenseful process.
Many of the cardinals met for the first time last week, expressing a need for more time to become acquainted.
This unfamiliarity raises questions about the duration of the conclave and how long it might take for a candidate to secure the required two-thirds majority, or 89 votes, to become the 267th pope.
“Wait and see, a little patience, wait and see,” said Cardinal Mario Zenari, the Vatican’s ambassador to Syria as he arrived for the final day of pre-vote discussions.
The cardinals begin by participating in a final pre-conclave Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica. The dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re, celebrates the Mass, which is meant to pray for cardinals to find the wisdom, counsel and understanding to elect a worthy new shepherd.
Re, 91, had presided at Francis’ funeral, delivering a heartfelt sermon recalling history’s first Latin American pope and the reforming 12-year papacy he oversaw.
At 4.30 pm (2.30pm GMT; 10.30 am EDT) the cardinals walk solemnly into the frescoed Sistine Chapel, chanting the meditative “Litany of the Saints” and the Latin hymn “Veni Creator,” imploring the saints and the Holy Spirit to help them pick a pope.
Once there, they pledge to maintain secrecy about what is about to transpire and to not allow “any interference, opposition or any other form of intervention” from outsiders to influence their voting.
Standing before Michelangelo’s vision of heaven and hell in “The Last Judgment,” each cardinal places his hand on the Gospel and swears to carry out that duty “so help me God and these Holy Gospels, which I touch with my hand.”
After that, the retired preacher of the papal household, Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, delivers a meditation.
