The Catholic Church stands at a pivotal moment today as 133 cardinals—its largest conclave ever—convene in Vatican City to elect the 267th pope.
The highly anticipated conclave will take place inside the iconic Sistine Chapel, with the formal voting process set to begin this afternoon.
Before heading into seclusion, the cardinals will attend a televised Mass at St Peter’s Basilica, led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who also presided over the funeral of Pope Francis.
Security and secrecy are paramount. By early afternoon, Vatican authorities will shut down mobile signals within the territory to prevent any external communication.
At 16:15 (7:15 p.m. PST), the cardinals will process solemnly from the Pauline Chapel into the Sistine Chapel. Once inside, each will take a sacred oath of secrecy.
At the command of “extra omnes”—Latin for “everyone out”—from Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations Diego Ravelli, all non-electors will exit, officially beginning the conclave.
Should a candidate secure the required majority in the very first vote, white smoke will rise from the chimney of St Peter’s Basilica, signaling to the world that a new pope has been chosen.
If no consensus is reached, black smoke will billow instead, indicating further rounds of voting.
“This first ballot will set the tone,” Catholic writer Austen Ivereigh said. “It helps identify the frontrunners—those with over 20 votes will emerge as serious contenders.”
As the world watches for the telltale plume of white smoke, the faithful wait with hope and anticipation for the next leader of the global Catholic community.
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