In a moment steeped in tradition and global significance, 133 Catholic cardinals gathered at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City on Wednesday, May 7, to celebrate a solemn Mass before proceeding to the secret conclave that will elect the next Pope. The ceremony marks a critical juncture in the history of the Roman Catholic Church, coming just weeks after the death of Pope Francis, who served as the 266th pontiff.
The Mass, known as “Pro Eligendo Papa” (For the Election of the Roman Pontiff), was presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals. Swinging a censer and blessing a statue of the Virgin Mary, Re opened the proceedings with a deep sense of reverence, as chants echoed through the basilica’s grand dome. The congregation included the 133 cardinal electors eligible to vote — all under the age of 80 — representing diverse regions from around the world.
The cardinals filed into the church in a formal procession, adorned in red robes that symbolize their willingness to defend the faith even to the point of martyrdom. The ceremonial Mass was not only a spiritual invocation of guidance from the Holy Spirit but also the final moment of public unity before the cardinal electors retreat into the Sistine Chapel for one of the most secretive processes in global religion — the papal conclave.
Following the Mass, the electors moved into the Sistine Chapel, where all external communication is cut off. Vatican authorities have reportedly activated jamming devices to block cell phone signals, ensuring absolute secrecy. As per custom, the traditional “extra omnes” command was issued — Latin for “everyone out” — to clear the chapel of all non-electors.
This conclave marks the first papal election in over a decade. Pope Francis, the first pope from the Americas and a Jesuit known for his progressive views and global outreach, passed away last month at the age of 88 after a prolonged illness. His death left the Church at a crossroads, as it seeks a new spiritual leader capable of navigating growing challenges, including declining church attendance in parts of Europe and North America, sexual abuse scandals, and the evolving role of the Church in modern society.
Historically, no pope has been elected on the first day of a conclave for centuries. On Wednesday, only one ballot will be cast. Beginning Thursday, cardinals may vote up to four times daily — two in the morning and two in the afternoon. A two-thirds majority is required to elect the new pontiff. Black smoke rising from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel signals an inconclusive vote, while white smoke, accompanied by the pealing of church bells, indicates a new pope has been chosen.
Once a cardinal receives the required votes, he is asked whether he accepts the role and by what name he wishes to be known. He will then be introduced to the world from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica with the Latin announcement “Habemus Papam” — “We have a Pope.”
The next pope will become the 267th successor to Saint Peter and the spiritual leader of more than 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide. Among those being closely watched as potential frontrunners are Cardinal Matteo Zuppi of Italy, known for his diplomatic skills; Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana, a strong voice on climate change and social justice; and Cardinal Sean O’Malley of the United States, recognized for his work on Church reform.
As the conclave begins, Catholics around the world are urged to pray for wisdom and unity among the electors. The global Church waits in anticipation for a leader who will not only honor the legacy of Pope Francis but also address the spiritual, social, and ethical challenges of the 21st century.