The search for Pope Francis’s successor has entered its decisive phase, with assembled cardinals convening at the Vatican for a final preparatory meeting before the conclave begins this Wednesday under conditions of utmost secrecy. All 133 cardinals eligible to vote, tasked with deciding the future leadership of the Catholic Church, are now in Rome. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are permitted to participate in the election within the Sistine Chapel.
The so-called General Congregation provided a final opportunity for all cardinals to gather, including those ineligible to vote due to exceeding the age limit. Within these closed-door sessions, various candidates considered potential successors had the chance to address their peers. Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, currently the second-highest-ranking official in the Vatican, is widely regarded as a frontrunner. As the most senior cardinal, the 70-year-old Parolin will also preside over the conclave proceedings.
During the election, the cardinals will be strictly isolated from the outside world. All smartphones and other electronic devices must be surrendered beforehand. They will reside in the Vatican’s guesthouse, the Casa Santa Marta, and an older annex, remaining cut off from external contact. Their freedom of movement will be restored only after a new pope is elected and presented to the public.
The first ballot is scheduled for this Wednesday afternoon. However, no one anticipates white smoke emerging from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney so soon. White smoke signals the election of a new pontiff, the 267th in the Church’s two-millennia history. Recent conclaves have typically lasted two or three days. The Pope leads 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
The succession to Pope Francis is considered wide open. Besides Parolin, two other Italians are seen as strong contenders: Matteo Zuppi, the Archbishop of Bologna (69), and Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Patriarch of Jerusalem (60). If one of them is chosen, it would mark the first time since 1978 that an Italian occupies the papacy.
Other cardinals whose names are frequently mentioned include Luis Antonio Tagle (67) from the Philippines, Jean-Marc Aveline (66) from France, José Tolentino de Mendonça (59) from Portugal, Peter Erdö (72) from Hungary, Fridolin Ambongo Besungu (65) from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Jean-Claude Hollerich (66) from Luxembourg. The list of potential popes continues to expand, now encompassing approximately two dozen names.
The conclave operates under strict secrecy, shielded from the rest of the world. The term "conclave" originates from the Latin "cum clave," meaning "with a key," signifying "locked in." Proceedings will commence at 4:30 PM this Wednesday with the cardinals’ entrance into the Sistine Chapel. Prior to this, a grand Mass will be held in St. Peter’s Basilica in the morning.
Jammers will be deployed to prevent any communication between the isolated area of the Vatican where the cardinals are located and the outside world. There will be no television, radio, or internet access. Upon entering the chapel, the cardinals will swear an oath of secrecy. All those remaining nearby to provide assistance or address medical emergencies must also take an oath.
Voting will occur at fixed times: twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon after the initial round on Wednesday. This process continues until a candidate secures a two-thirds majority. Unsuccessful ballots are signaled by black smoke rising from the specially installed chimney, while the election of a pope is announced by white smoke. Following this, the "Habemus Papam" ("We have a Pope") declaration is made. The new pontiff then appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, presenting himself to the tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square below, and to the world at large.
The Pope leads the world’s largest Christian denomination. According to Catholic doctrine, he is the successor of the Apostle Peter and the Vicar of Jesus Christ on Earth. He is also the Bishop of Rome, the Primate of Italy, and the head of state of Vatican City. While the Pope’s temporal power is limited, he holds significant moral authority for many people.
Francis was elected in 2013 after the unexpected resignation of his German predecessor, Benedict XVI, after just a day and a half, during the fifth round of voting. Throughout his twelve-year pontificate, he has consistently addressed contemporary issues. He has not hesitated to criticize those in power, advocating for greater compassion in the treatment of migrants, expressing concern for the environment, and criticizing Israel’s actions in the Gaza conflict.
The Argentinian, whose given name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio, has eschewed many privileges and symbols of status. He turned 88 years old. Only one other pope lived longer. He will not be buried in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, but in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major near the main train station, his favorite church in Rome. The choice reflects his preference for a simpler life.
The upcoming conclave represents a critical juncture for the Catholic Church. The cardinals face the weighty task of selecting a leader who can navigate the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. The next pope will be responsible for guiding the Church through a period of rapid social and political change, addressing issues such as declining membership in some regions, the ongoing clergy abuse scandal, and the need for greater inclusivity and dialogue with other faiths.
The profiles of the leading candidates suggest a range of perspectives on these issues. Cardinal Parolin, as the Vatican’s Secretary of State, represents a continuity of the Francis pontificate, known for his diplomatic skills and commitment to social justice. Archbishop Zuppi is recognized for his pastoral approach and his efforts to mediate conflicts, while Patriarch Pizzaballa brings a unique perspective from his experience in the Holy Land.
The election process itself is steeped in tradition and symbolism, designed to ensure that the cardinals are free from external influence and guided by the Holy Spirit. The strict secrecy surrounding the conclave reflects the gravity of the decision and the desire to protect the integrity of the process. The world will be watching with anticipation as the white smoke eventually emerges, signaling the dawn of a new era for the Catholic Church.
