In the upcoming days, Catholic cardinals from across the globe will converge in conclave to elect a new pope following the passing of Pope Francis I, who died at the age of 88 on April 21 after leading the Catholic Church for 12 years. This election, one of the longest-standing electoral processes in the world, is set to begin on May 7, as announced by the Vatican.
On that day, cardinal electors will participate in a Eucharistic celebration, referred to as the Mass Pro Eligendo Papa, around 10 am local time. Later, they will take an oath of secrecy before being sequestered in the Sistine Chapel, marking the commencement of the electoral process. Shortly after, a crucial proclamation will ring out: “extra omnes,” indicating that all others must leave. The cardinals will remain unseen until a new pope is chosen, which requires a two-thirds majority of the present electors.
Historically, conclaves are primarily held in Rome, although there have been occasions where they occurred outside the Vatican, in locations such as Viterbo and Lyon. This conclave will see the participation of 135 cardinals eligible to vote, though two have withdrawn due to health reasons, and another cardinal has rescinded his request to participate.
The election process necessitates that a candidate must garner at least 89 votes from the electors to be declared pope. Initially, there is one ballot on the first day, followed by two each morning and afternoon on subsequent days. A traditional smoke signal from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney will indicate the outcome; black smoke represents an unselected pope, while white smoke signifies the election of a new leader.
Conclaves can last as long as necessary until a pope is elected. In historical context, they have varied from instantaneous choices to extended deliberations, with the longest conclave taking nearly three years in the 13th century. The shortest recorded conclave operated under the ten-day rule introduced in 1274, can get settled on the same day as a predecessor’s death.
Despite the longstanding tradition of electing cardinals, the last non-cardinal pope elected was Urban VI in 1378. Additionally, throughout history, the papacy has not been monopolised by Italians; notable exceptions include John Paul II from Poland, Benedict XVI from Germany, and Francis from Argentina.
As anticipation builds for the conclave, the choice of the next pope will undoubtedly mark a significant moment in the Catholic Church’s ongoing evolution and the future of its global congregation.