Conclave approaches: All cardinals arrive in Rome to elect new Pope
Photo: Cardinals arrive to elect the new Pope (VATICAN MEDIA)
The Vatican is preparing for a historic moment: all cardinals have arrived in Rome to take part in the conclave that will elect a new Pope. The preparations for the election are ongoing, and the Sistine Chapel is already under guard, according to the Vatican press service.
A total of 133 cardinals will elect the new Pope, and they are already in Rome. Today, almost all of them participated in the general meeting of the cardinals as part of the preparations for the election of the new pontiff, which took place in the Synod Hall at the Vatican.
Discussion of faith issues and the future Pope
During the meeting, the cardinals discussed the qualities the future Pope should possess. They are looking for a shepherd who is close to the people, someone who will care for communion, uniting everyone around Christ during a time when the world order is in crisis.
The cardinals also talked about vocation, family, and raising children, the challenges of passing on the faith, caring for creation, wars, fragmentation in the world, and many other topics.
Another meeting of the cardinals is scheduled for Monday evening and Tuesday morning.
Preparations for the Conclave
Meanwhile, preparations for the conclave are nearing completion. A drawing was held to assign rooms in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, where the cardinals will reside. Rooms in the adjacent building, a former hotel of the same name, will also be used to accommodate the cardinals. Their move-in is set to begin on Tuesday afternoon.
Preparations of the Sistine Chapel, where the new Pope will be elected, are almost complete. Journalists will not be allowed inside the chapel, which is already under guard.
Cardinals may walk from their residence to the chapel if they wish, but only along a strictly defined and secured route. The perimeter of their movement will be sealed off. Cardinals are requested to leave their mobile devices in their rooms. Communication within the Sistine Chapel will be completely cut off.
All cardinals have received booklets containing the official biographies of the cardinals, as published on the Holy See’s website.
When the Conclave will take place
The Vatican has officially confirmed that the Conclave will begin on May 7, 2025. The Sistine Chapel, one of the most famous chapels in the world, will serve as the venue for the election of Pope Francis’s successor.
A special chimney is currently being installed there, through which the world will receive signals about the results of the voting. Black smoke will indicate that a new Pope has not yet been elected, while white smoke will signal that a decision has been made.
Catholics traditionally gather in St. Peter’s Square to watch the smoke rise from the chapel’s roof.
