The Catholic Church has reached a critical juncture as 133 cardinal electors convened within the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday to start the solemn process of electing the next pope. The conclave comes after Pope Francis passed away last month, and the result will determine the future of the 1.4 billion-member worldwide Church.
At a ceremony imbued with tradition, the cardinals swore in secret under Michelangelo’s fresco of the Last Judgement before Archbishop Diego Ravelli said the words “Extra omnes!” asking all non-electors to exit the chapel. The doors were then closed, the beginning of the centuries-long ritual.
The initial vote was taken later in the day, although history indicates no pope is going to be elected right away. Balloting will continue with as many as four rounds a day until a candidate reaches a two-thirds majority.
Before the conclave, a Mass was celebrated at St. Peter’s Basilica, where Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re exhorted electors to put the welfare of the Church and humanity ahead of personal choice. Saints were also called upon by cardinals to inspire their choice.
Varied views are influencing the conclave. Some of the electors want continuity with Pope Francis’ reform agenda, while others want a return to traditional values. Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle are considered early favorites, but other names such as American, Hungarian, and French candidates are also being floated.
With Francis having named 80% of the cardinal electors, most assume his successor could maintain some parts of his progressive agenda. Electors might also look at regional representation, perhaps selecting a leader from the Global South.
The Church wants to arrive at an agreement quickly, both to present unity and to assure Catholics across the globe that the institution is committed to its mission.
