All Eyes On The Vatican As Conclave To Elect New Pope Begins Today
The world is watching as cardinals from across the globe gather in Vatican City today for the start of the conclave, the centuries-old process to elect the next leader of the Catholic Church.
The conclave is expected to begin on at 10am, with a public Holy Mass at St Peter’s Basilica. After the mass, the cardinals will retreat to their residence at Domus Sanctae Marthae, before heading to the Sistine Chapel in the afternoon for the first vote.
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This is the same sacred space where every papal election has taken place since 1878.
Vatican News has also shared exclusive photos from inside two key spaces connected to the election.
The first is the Sistine Chapel, now fully prepared for the conclave. The second is the “Room of Tears”, a small chamber next to the chapel where the newly elected pope will put on the white papal vestments for the very first time.
Following the passing of Pope Francis, whose papacy was marked by peace-building and social reform, the Church now prepares for a new chapter.
The conclave’s voting process is steeped in tradition. Cardinals are fully secluded once inside the Sistine Chapel.
After each secret ballot, the votes are burned. Black smoke signals no decision has been made. White smoke means a new pope has been chosen.
Who will step into one of the most influential roles in the world? Only time and white smoke will tell.
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