New Pope? Cardinals Begin Secret Vote After Pope Francis’ Death
A New Pope is Coming: The Conclave Begins
The Vatican is abuzz with anticipation as the first papal conclave in over a decade gets underway. After a morning Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, 133 cardinal electors (those under 80 years old) will begin the secret ballot to choose the next leader of the Catholic Church.
Inside the Sistine Chapel: A World Away
At 4:30 p.m. local time (10:30 a.m. Eastern), the cardinals will process to the Sistine Chapel, the iconic location where this momentous decision will be made. Once the master of pontifical liturgical celebrations utters the Latin phrase ‘extra omnes’ (meaning ‘everybody out’), all but the cardinal electors will leave, sealing the fate of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics in the chapel’s confidential walls.
The cardinals are prohibited from leaving the Vatican, except for meals and sleep, until a two-thirds majority is reached. No phones, internet, or television are allowed—a tradition meant to prevent outside influence and encourage a focused, deliberate process.
Months of Discussion, Hours of Decision
The conversations that will shape the voting began weeks ago after Pope Francis’ death on April 21st. Cardinals gathered in the Vatican to plan the funeral and, importantly, to discuss the major issues facing the church. Their deliberations will culminate in this historic conclave.
