The conclave for the election of the 267th pope opened this Wednesday. From 3.45 p.m., the cardinals voters gathered in the Pauline chapel of the Apostolic Palace for a prayer time, before going in procession to the Sistine Chapel, by singing and invoking the descent of the Holy Spirit to help them find Un successor to François, who died on Easter Monday. Depending on the result of the vote, the smoke will therefore be black or white, the latter being synonymous as an agreement on the name of a new resident in the Vatican.
The day on Wednesday started with a mass called For choosing a pontiff. An office during which the cardinals pray for God to guide them in the choice of the successor of Pope Francis. It took place at the Saint-Pierre basilica. In his homily, the dean of the cardinals launched at the address of the future Pope, a call to “Ensure the unity of the church“.
After this mass, the cardinals had lunch.
During this conclave, 133 cardinals will decide the succession of Pope Francis. Cardinals who must not have exceeded the age of 80. They are gathered in the Sistine Chapel, isolated from the world, without internet access. One of these 133 cardinals will come out of it. Their decision may take several days.
This is one of the most extraordinary but also the most mysterious electoral process, governed by a strict protocol. The cardinals will have to release two thirds of the votes to be able to announce “We have a pope“. The debate takes place behind closed doors. There can be up to four elections per day.
The names of several “papabili” have circulated since the death of Pope Francis but a surprise is always possible.
