As Cardinals Go Into the Conclave Today to Elect a New Pope, Here’s All You Need to Know
Today marks a pivotal moment in the history of the Roman Catholic Church as cardinals from around the world enter into conclave—the sacred and secretive process of electing a new Pope. Following the recent death of Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff, the Church now turns to its most solemn duty: choosing his successor.
If you’re wondering what this all means and why it matters, here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know.
What Is a Conclave?
A conclave (from the Latin cum clave, meaning “with a key”) is the highly confidential gathering of the College of Cardinals, locked away inside the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, where they cast their votes to elect a new Pope. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote, and their decision will shape the future of over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide.
Why Is This Conclave Taking Place?
The current conclave is taking place following the passing of Pope Francis. As the Church mourns his death, attention turns to selecting a new spiritual leader who will assume the responsibilities of the papacy at a time of deep global change and internal challenges.
Who Are the Electors?
A total of 119 cardinal electors are participating in this conclave. Coming from different continents and cultures, they represent the global face of the Catholic Church. A two-thirds majority—at least 80 votes—is required to elect the next Pope.
How Does the Voting Work?
Voting takes place up to four times a day: twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon. After each round, ballots are burned in a special furnace. The color of the smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney tells the world what’s happening:
- Black smoke means no decision has been reached.
- White smoke signals that a new Pope has been elected.
Once elected, the new Pope must accept the role and choose a papal name.
What Are the Cardinals Looking For?
While the guidance of the Holy Spirit is central to the process, the cardinals will be considering practical and spiritual qualities such as:
- The ability to unite a diverse and global Church
- A firm stand on critical issues such as abuse scandals, clerical reforms, and Vatican governance
- Charisma, communication skills, and spiritual depth
- Capacity to engage a modern world increasingly indifferent to religion
Who Are the Top Contenders?
Speculation is rife, though secrecy is strict. Among the names often mentioned are:
- Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana): A strong African candidate with Vatican experience
- Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy): Known for his pastoral care and advocacy for peace
- Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines): Charismatic, media-savvy, and widely respected in Asia
However, as the saying goes in Rome: “He who enters the conclave as Pope, comes out a cardinal.” Surprises are always possible.
When Will the New Pope Be Announced?
There’s no fixed timeline. A Pope can be elected in the first few ballots, or it could take several days. Once elected, the new pontiff will be introduced to the world from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, with the words:
“Habemus Papam!” – “We have a Pope!”
The conclave is not just a religious event—it is a global moment of transition. As we await the smoke from the Sistine Chapel, the world watches with anticipation. Whoever emerges as the next Pope will inherit both an ancient throne and a modern mandate.
Stay tuned for updates as history unfolds in the Vatican.
