Under the awe inspiring artistry of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, a pivotal moment in the Catholic Church’s history is unfolding.
Tonight, 133 cardinals will commence the solemn duty of electing the 267th Pope, the spiritual leader of millions worldwide. This highly anticipated papal conclave, marks the culmination of a period of mourning and reflection following the passing of the previous pontiff.
Day One of the Papal Election: Prayer and Secrecy
The day’s proceedings began with a significant televised mass at 10:00 (09:00 WAT) within the grandeur of St Peter’s Basilica. This poignant service was led by Cardinal Dean Giovanni Battista Re, the esteemed 91-year-old prelate who also officiated at Pope Francis’ funeral. His presence underscored the continuity and solemnity of this transition within the Church.
As the afternoon progressed, a crucial step was taken to safeguard the integrity of the conclave. Mobile phone signals within Vatican City were deactivated, a measure designed to prevent any external influence or communication with the cardinal electors. This isolation is paramount to ensuring the independence and confidentiality of their deliberations.
The Procession to the Sistine Chapel: Invoking the Holy Spirit
At approximately 16:15 (15:15 WAT), the 133 cardinal electors, the individuals entrusted with this sacred responsibility, gathered in the Pauline Chapel. From there, they formed a solemn procession towards the Sistine Chapel, the iconic venue for this momentous event. Their passage was accompanied by the resonant sounds of a litany and the ancient hymn Veni Creator, a powerful invocation to the Holy Spirit. This hymn serves as a spiritual guide, beseeching divine assistance in the cardinals’ discernment of the next Pope.
Taking the Oath of Secrecy: A Cornerstone of the Conclave
Upon entering the hallowed space of the Sistine Chapel, each cardinal elector, with one hand placed reverently on a copy of the Gospel, pronounced a solemn oath of secrecy. This binding commitment forbids them from ever divulging any details regarding the election of the new Pope, reinforcing the confidential nature of the papal election process.
Following the taking of the oath by all electors, a period of silent meditation ensued, allowing for personal reflection and prayer before the weighty task ahead. Subsequently, Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations Diego Ravelli declared the traditional “extra omnes” (“everybody out”). This announcement signaled the departure of all individuals not directly involved in the papal conclave, marking the formal commencement of the cardinals’ isolation.
“Cum Clave”: The Locked Nature of the Papal Conclave
The term “conclave,” derived from the Latin “cum clave” meaning “locked with key,” historically implied the physical locking in of the cardinals. While the practice has evolved, the principle of isolation remains. Vatican officials sealed the entrances to the Apostolic Palace, including the Sistine Chapel, with lead seals on Tuesday. These seals will remain unbroken until the conclusion of the proceedings. Adding to the security, Swiss Guards will stand watch at all entrances to the chapel, ensuring the sanctity and seclusion of the papal election.
The First Ballot: Setting the Stage for Consensus
Diego Ravelli then distributed the ballot papers, paving the way for the first vote to take place shortly thereafter. While the election of a new Pope in the first round is not explicitly prohibited, Catholic writer and commentator Austen Ivereigh notes that it has not occurred in centuries. Nevertheless, this initial ballot holds significant weight.
Ivereigh explains, “The cardinals who have more than 20 votes will be taken into consideration. In the first ballot the votes will be very scattered and the electors know they have to concentrate on the ones that have numbers.” He further suggests that subsequent ballots will reveal which cardinals are gaining momentum, likening it to “almost like a political campaign… but it’s not really a competition; it’s an effort by the body to find consensus” in the selection of the next pontiff.
Dinner and Deliberation: Informal Discussions Shape the Outcome
Should the initial vote fail to produce the required two-thirds majority for the election of the new Pope, the cardinals will retire to the Casa Santa Marta guesthouse for dinner. It is during these informal moments, away from the formal voting process, that crucial conversations among the cardinals often take place. These discussions play a vital role in the gradual coalescing of consensus around potential candidates for the papacy.
According to reports from Italian media, the menu offered to the cardinals consists of light and simple dishes typically served to guests of the residence, accompanied by wine, but excluding spirits. Adding to the atmosphere of secrecy, the waiters and kitchen staff are also bound by an oath of confidentiality and are restricted from leaving the grounds for the duration of the papal conclave.
Subsequent Days: Voting, Prayer, and the Waiting World
From Thursday morning onwards, the cardinals will follow a structured schedule, beginning with breakfast between 06:30 (05:30 WAT) and 07:30 (06:30 WAT), followed by mass at 08:15 (07:15 WAT). Two rounds of voting are then scheduled for the morning, followed by lunch and a period of rest. In his memoirs, Pope Francis recounted that it was during such a rest period in his own conclave that he began to perceive signals of growing consensus around his name, ultimately leading to his election during the first afternoon vote. Notably, the last two papal conclaves concluded by the end of the second day.
The Unpredictable Timeline of Papal Elections
At this juncture, the duration of the current conclave remains uncertain. Cardinals are acutely aware that a protracted process could be interpreted by the outside world as a sign of significant disagreements within the College of Cardinals. Therefore, they will try to reach a decision efficiently while ensuring the thoroughness and prayerfulness of their deliberations.
Waiting for the White Smoke: A Sign of a New Pope
As the cardinal electors engage in prayer, discussion, and the solemn act of voting within the sealed confines of the Sistine Chapel, thousands of faithful will gather outside, their gazes fixed on the chimney to the right of St Peter’s Basilica. The appearance of white smoke billowing from this chimney will serve as the eagerly awaited signal that a new Pope has been elected, marking the end of the papal conclave and the beginning of a new chapter for the Catholic Church.
