:watermark(https://f.pmo.ee//logos/4133/bb989514d16b88b940b51f02e07642d0.png,-2p,-2p,0,18,none):format(webp)/nginx/o/2025/05/07/16827565t1h75c2.jpg)
Conclave Underway: Cardinals Gather to Elect New Pope
VATICAN CITY — May 9, 2024 — the 133rd conclave is underway in Vatican City as cardinals gather to elect the next Pope. The process follows Pope Francis’ death on April 21, initiating the selection of his successor. The voting process includes those cardinals under 80 years of age casting their ballots, while the world watches events unfold, awaiting the smoke signals. Experts are providing analysis, so follow the news for updates.
conclave Underway: Cardinals Gather to Elect New Pope
VATICAN CITY – The 133rd papal conclave is in session, with the next vote scheduled for Thursday morning. Cardinals have convened in Vatican city to elect a successor to Pope Francis, who, left his life on April 21 at the age of 88.
The process: From Solemn Mass to Secret Ballot
The process began with a solemn Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. Following the Mass, the cardinal electors gathered within the Sistine chapel to participate in the voting process. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to cast a ballot,but all cardinals are invited to attend the pre-conclave consultations,offering their insights and perspectives.
Potential Successors: Key Candidates Emerge
Amidst global conflicts and diplomatic crises, several cardinals have emerged as potential candidates to lead the Catholic Church. Among those considered are:
- Cardinal Pietro Parolin of Italy, who served as Secretary of State under Pope Francis.
- Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana.
- Archbishop Matteo Zuppi of bologna.
- Cardinal Robert Sarah from Guinea.
- Latin patriarch pierbattista Pizzaballa of Jerusalem.
Smoke Signals: A Tradition of Interaction
The world awaits news from the Vatican, traditionally signaled by smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel chimney. The color of the smoke indicates the outcome of the voting:
- Black smoke: Indicates that no new Pope has been elected. This is achieved by burning the ballots mixed with tar.
- White Smoke: Signals the election of a new Pope. This is produced by burning the ballots mixed with potassium chlorate, lactose, and chloroform resin.
Tradition and Secrecy
The conclave is steeped in tradition and secrecy. The cardinals are sequestered from the outside world to ensure the integrity of the voting process. The burning of the ballots is a visual signal to the world, a tradition that dates back centuries.
