Cardinals Take Oath Of Secrecy, To Elect New Pope In Conclave
In a historic ceremony, Catholic cardinals from around the world gathered in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new Pope.
The cardinals took an oath of secrecy and began the papal conclave, a centuries-old ritual that will culminate in the selection of the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
Under Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes, the cardinals filed into the chapel, each bowing at the altar before taking their designated seat.
The traditional Latin declaration “extra omnes” (“everyone out”) marked the official start of the conclave, and the doors of the Sistine Chapel were shut.
The cardinals are expected to cast their first secret ballot on Wednesday evening.
The outcome will be signaled by smoke emerging from the chapel’s chimney: black for an inconclusive vote and white for the successful election of a new Pope. To be elected, a candidate must secure a two-thirds majority.
The papal conclave has a rich history, with some conclaves lasting for years. However, in recent times, the process has become significantly swifter.
The 2013 conclave, which elected Pope Francis, concluded in just two days after five rounds of voting.
Anticipation and Expectation
As the cardinals proceed with the voting process, the world waits with anticipation.
The faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, watching giant screens and listening to loudspeakers broadcasting the cardinals’ oaths.
The outcome will determine the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church, guiding the direction of the institution for years to come.
