The world’s gaze turned to the Vatican today as 133 cardinals from across the globe entered the hallowed Sistine Chapel to begin one of the most sacred and secretive rites in Catholicism—the conclave to elect the 267th Pope.
Under the grandeur of Michelangelo’s famed ceiling, the cardinals commenced a solemn process that will determine the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church’s 1.4 billion faithful. The day began with a Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, presided over by 91-year-old Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, who also led the funeral rites for Pope Francis.
“This is not just a vote,” Cardinal Re reminded the Church in his homily, “It is a spiritual discernment. The Holy Spirit does not rush, and neither must we.”
By 4:15 p.m. local time on Tuesday, May 6, the cardinal electors processed from the Pauline Chapel to the Sistine Chapel, chanting Veni Creator Spiritus—a centuries-old hymn invoking divine guidance. Each cardinal placed a hand on the Gospels and swore an oath of secrecy, vowing never to reveal the inner workings of the conclave.
Security and silence are paramount. In an unprecedented move, Vatican officials shut off all mobile signals at 10:00 a.m., hours before the vote, and deployed electronic jammers around Vatican City. The Apostolic Palace entrances were sealed with lead the night before. “Extra omnes,” declared Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations Diego Ravelli, expelling all non-electors from the chapel and formally beginning the conclave.
The first vote will be cast this evening, though history suggests a Pope is unlikely to be elected in the initial round. Should the cardinals fail to reach a two-thirds majority, they will return to Casa Santa Marta for dinner—often a critical time for informal consensus-building.
“It’s in those quiet conversations over pasta and wine that alliances form,” said Vatican analyst Lucia Bianchi. “The Spirit moves not just in the chapel, but in the corridors.”
From Thursday, the cardinals will adopt a rigorous schedule—early breakfast, morning Mass and up to four votes per day. The last two conclaves concluded by the second day, though Vatican insiders say the outcome this time is far from certain.
Thousands of pilgrims and press have filled St. Peter’s Square, eyes fixed on the small chimney to the right of the basilica. Black smoke means no decision. White smoke—accompanied by the ringing of bells—signals the birth of a new pontificate.
For now, the world waits in prayer and suspense, as a small group of men behind closed doors decide who will next wear the white robe.
