Cardinals Convene: The Papal Conclave Commences

More than a hundred Catholic cardinals are poised to enter the hallowed Sistine Chapel this Wednesday, marking the commencement of a momentous event: the election of the new pope. This process, formally known as a papal conclave, is a carefully orchestrated procedure steeped in tradition and solemnity. The responsibility for selecting the next leader of the Catholic Church falls upon the College of Cardinals, a body comprised of bishops and Vatican officials chosen by the late Pope Francis.

These cardinals, representing diverse regions and perspectives within the Church, are entrusted with a singular task: to prayerfully and deliberately vote for one among their ranks to assume the role of pontiff. The process is cloaked in secrecy and guided by centuries of established protocol, ensuring the election is conducted with the utmost integrity and discernment.

Unlike many democratic elections, there is no fixed timeline dictating the duration of a papal conclave. The process can be remarkably swift, as demonstrated in 2013 when Pope Francis himself was elected a mere day after the conclave began. However, history also bears witness to prolonged deliberations. The longest conclave in history stretched for nearly three years, culminating in the election of Pope Gregory X in 1271. This historical precedent serves as a reminder of the complexity and gravity of the decision facing the cardinals.

The world is watching, and for those in the United States eager to witness this historic event unfold, various avenues are available to follow the conclave’s progress. Major television networks and streaming platforms are gearing up to provide comprehensive coverage.

Where to Watch the Conclave in the U.S.

• USA TODAY: The news organization will offer live streaming coverage of the conclave on its YouTube channel. The initial livestream is scheduled to run from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, May 7.

• CBS: The network will present an extended special report commencing at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, May 7. Anchored by Norah O’Donnell and Tony Dokoupil, the broadcast will delve into the cardinals’ procession into the Sistine Chapel and provide expert analysis of the proceedings. Correspondents Maurice DuBois, Seth Doane, and Chris Livesay will report live from Rome, offering firsthand accounts of the atmosphere surrounding the Vatican.

  CBS will also provide ongoing special reports each time smoke emerges from the Sistine Chapel chimney. The color of the smoke serves as a crucial signal: black smoke indicates that no decision has been reached, while white smoke signifies that a new pope has been elected. CBS will offer live coverage the moment white smoke appears, signaling the world that a new pontiff has been chosen, and will broadcast the unveiling of the new pope to the global audience. CBS News is accessible through cable television, the CBS website, and the Paramount+ streaming service.

• ABC News: ABC News will deliver comprehensive coverage of the conclave across its various platforms, including cable television, ABC News Live (the network’s 24/7 news stream), and streaming services Disney+ and Hulu. Viewers can expect in-depth reporting, expert commentary, and up-to-the-minute updates on the election process.

• Fox News: Fox News will offer daily live coverage of the papal conclave, commencing with a special early edition of "Fox & Friends First" at 4:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, May 7. Chief Religion Correspondent Lauren Green, Correspondent Alex Hogan, contributor Jonathan Morris, and Fox News Radio reporter Jonathan Savage will report live from St. Peter’s Square, providing on-the-ground insights and analysis throughout the conclave.

• Vatican News: As the official news agency of Vatican City, Vatican News will manage a livestream of St. Peter’s Square on its YouTube channel. This provides a direct and unfiltered view of the events unfolding at the heart of the Vatican.

• Radio Vaticana: The official radio station of Vatican City, Radio Vaticana will offer live updates of the conclave, providing audio coverage and analysis of the proceedings.

The atmosphere surrounding the conclave is one of intense anticipation and spiritual reflection. The cardinals, sequestered within the walls of the Sistine Chapel, engage in prayer and contemplation, seeking divine guidance as they cast their ballots. The world outside holds its breath, awaiting the signal of white smoke that will herald the arrival of a new leader for the Catholic Church.

The selection of a new pope is a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church and the world. The individual chosen will not only lead the Church’s 1.3 billion members but also serve as a moral voice on the global stage, addressing issues ranging from poverty and social justice to environmental protection and interfaith dialogue.

As the cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel, their deliberations are guided by prayer, tradition, and a profound sense of responsibility. The world watches and waits, eager to learn who will emerge as the next leader of the Catholic Church, a figure who will shape the spiritual landscape for years to come.
Greta Cross, a national trending reporter at USA TODAY, can be reached at [email protected] for story ideas.