Cardinals Begin Solemn Ritual to Elect a New Pope in Historic Conclave
Cardinals elect new pope: Starting Wednesday, 133 cardinals begin the secretive, centuries-old ritual to choose the next pope. The conclave will be held in the Sistine Chapel, with cardinals from 70 countries participating in what is expected to be a historic process.
Following the death of Pope Francis earlier this year, who has presided over the Catholic Church since 2013, the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide elected a new leader. All contacts have been prohibited, and the cardinals have convened under stringent guidelines to maintain confidentiality and avoid outside intervention.
A Multicultural and Diverse Event
Tonga, Sweden, and Mongolian cardinals make up one of the most geographically diverse conclaves in history. By selecting many cardinals, particularly from underrepresented regions of the world, and by selecting a number of younger candidates who will be essential to the future direction of the church, Pope Francis made history.
Many of the cardinals have just met each other, which raises questions about how long the process will take. Historically, papal elections have varied from three ballots to eight, depending on how divided the cardinals are.
Key Moments in the Conclave
The conclave begins with a solemn Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, celebrated by the dean of the College of Cardinals. The cardinals then enter the Sistine Chapel, marking the beginning of the voting process. Each cardinal takes an oath of secrecy before casting their vote. The ballots are counted and burned after each round. Black smoke signals no pope has been chosen, while white smoke indicates a selection.
Until a two-thirds majority is obtained, the cardinals will cast their votes several times every day. Cardinals Peter Erdo, Luis Tagle, and Pietro Parolin are among the leading contenders.
Challenges Facing the New Pope
The new pope will face significant challenges, including the future of Pope Francis’ progressive legacy and how to address the clergy sex abuse scandal.Concerns like climate change, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and women’s responsibilities continue to split the church.
All eyes are on the cardinals as they begin this holy task, and despite the uncertainty, the conclave continues to be a pivotal point in the church’s history.
Source: AP News