Vatican City: The College of Cardinals convened on Tuesday within the Vatican for a crucial final meeting before commencing the conclave tasked with electing a new pope.
According to Ghana News Agency, all cardinals of the Catholic Church participated one last time in the General Congregation of the College of Cardinals. On Wednesday, the eligible cardinals, those under the age of 80, are set to enter the Sistine Chapel for the secretive meeting to select the new leader of the Catholic Church.
The conclave is expected to see the participation of 133 cardinals from across the globe, all of whom have gathered in Rome. The anticipation drew a substantial crowd in front of the Vatican gates on Tuesday. For the media, this was one of the final opportunities to question the cardinals about their expectations, although the cardinals remained largely reserved, with many opting to arrive by car despite short distances, as one cardinal requested, “A moment of peace!”
This election is being closely watched worldwide, even in regions where Catholicism is not the predominant faith, given the estimated 1.4 billion Catholics globally.
During the conclave, cardinals are kept in strict isolation from the outside world to ensure the sanctity of the election process for the successor of Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88. The cardinals are required to surrender all electronic devices and reside in the Vatican guesthouse, Saint Martha’s House, and its older annex, with no external contact allowed. Jammers are employed to block communication, and any necessary access to the area, such as for medical emergencies, requires an oath of secrecy.
The conclave’s proceedings will commence with a Mass in St Peter’s Basilica, followed by an initial vote on Wednesday afternoon. Subsequent voting sessions are scheduled to take place twice each morning and afternoon, with a two-thirds majority required to elect a new pope. Historically, conclaves have concluded within two to three days.
Once a new pope is chosen, signaled by the emergence of white smoke from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney, an official will announce ‘habemus papam’ (We have a pope) from St Peter’s Basilica’s balcony, followed by the introduction of the new pontiff.
The race to succeed Pope Francis remains open, though Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who will preside over the conclave, is a leading contender. Additionally, archbishop of Bologna Matteo Zuppi and Patriarch of Jerusalem Pierbattista Pizzaballa are considered strong candidates. Should one of them be elected, it would mark the first Italian pope since 1978. The list of potential new popes currently encompasses around two dozen names.
