The world’s cardinals are convening within the historic walls of the Sistine Chapel, embarking on an intensely private and solemn undertaking: the selection of a new leader for the Catholic Church.
This pivotal moment follows Pope Francis’s resignation and marks the beginning of a process shrouded in tradition and confidentiality. The election itself is expected to unfold over several days—and could conceivably extend even further—as the cardinals deliberate and vote until a consensus is reached.
The procedure, deeply rooted in centuries-old custom, involves:
- Seclusion: Cardinals will remain sequestered within the Vatican City walls.
- Prayer & Reflection: The process begins with prayerful contemplation and discussions.
- Ballots: Voting takes place multiple times daily, with ballots meticulously burned after each round to signify secrecy. Smoke signals from the Chapel’s chimney communicate the outcome of each vote – black smoke indicating no decision, white smoke signifying a successful election.
As one Vatican official stated, “The weight of this responsibility is immense; these men are tasked with guiding the faith of millions.”
