Cardinals from 70 countries began checking into Vatican guesthouses Tuesday, preparing for Wednesday’s secret conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis.
The 133 voting cardinals—all under age 80—will be isolated from the outside world as they deliberate in the Sistine Chapel, with a two-thirds majority required to select the next leader of the 1.4 billion-member Catholic Church.
Washington Cardinal Robert McElroy admitted the process remains “profound and mysterious,” with no clear frontrunner emerging during pre-conclave meetings that began April 22.
Global Factions Emerge as Asian Cardinals Plan Bloc Voting
The most geographically diverse conclave in Church history sees competing visions for the papacy, from progressive reformers to traditionalists. Japanese Cardinal Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi revealed Asia’s 23 cardinals may vote as a bloc, contrasting with Europe’s 53 cardinals who typically split along national lines. The conclave unfolds amid global tensions, with cardinals issuing a statement Tuesday urging ceasefires in Ukraine, the Middle East, and other conflict zones.
The Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni confirmed cardinals debated desired papal qualities Tuesday, with some advocating for continuity of Francis’ climate activism and “mercy-focused” leadership, while others pushed for doctrinal conservatism.
The conclave could span days, with black smoke signaling unsuccessful votes until a white smoke announces “Habemus Papam.”
