Cardinals Begin Conclave in Sistine Chapel to Elect New Pope

Catholic cardinals gathered in the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday to begin the secret conclave to elect a new pope. A total of 133 cardinal electors entered the chapel to select a leader who can unite the global Church, which remains diverse but divided.

In a ritual dating back to medieval times, the cardinals took an oath of perpetual secrecy under the watchful gaze of Michelangelo's Last Judgment fresco. The first ballot was cast to find a successor to Pope Francis, who passed away last month. It may take several days before one candidate receives the necessary two-thirds majority, as no pope has been elected on the first day of a conclave in centuries.

Only one vote will take place on Wednesday, with up to four votes possible on subsequent days. The cardinals participated in a solemn Latin chant, seeking divine guidance for the momentous decision ahead. After taking the oath, Archbishop Diego Ravelli will announce "Extra omnes!", signaling the departure of non-participants, and the chapel doors will be closed.

The outcome of each vote will be communicated through smoke rising from the chapel’s chimney. Black smoke indicates an inconclusive vote, while white smoke and bells signal the election of a new pope.

Earlier, the cardinals attended Mass at St. Peter's Basilica, praying for wisdom in their choice. In his sermon, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re urged the electors to prioritize the good of the Church and humanity, setting aside personal considerations.

The cardinals are divided on the qualities they seek in the new pope. Some hope for continuity with Pope Francis’ reforms, while others favor a return to traditional practices. A record 133 electors from 70 countries are taking part in this conclave, a significant increase from 2013.

Although there is no clear favorite, Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle are among the frontrunners. If neither candidate wins, votes may shift to others, such as Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline of France, Cardinal Peter Erdo of Hungary, Cardinal Robert Prevost of the United States, and Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa of Italy.

Cardinal Re, who cannot participate due to his age, advised the electors to select a pope who values the Church’s diversity, emphasizing that unity should come from profound communion, not uniformity.

The cardinals hope to complete the election quickly to avoid giving the impression of division within the Church. With 80% of electors appointed by Pope Francis, it is likely that his successor will continue his progressive policies, though traditionalists may resist.

Discussions have also centered on selecting a pope from the global south, as with Pope Francis in 2013, or returning to Europe, or even electing the first U.S. pope.