Sistine Chapel Conclave Launches Historic Global Papal Election/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Cardinals from 70 nations entered the Sistine Chapel to begin the sacred and secretive process of selecting the next pope. With Pope Francis’ progressive legacy at stake, this conclave is the most globally diverse in church history. As voting begins, challenges from abuse scandals to church reform loom large.
Papal Conclave Quick Looks
- 133 cardinals entered the Sistine Chapel Wednesday to begin electing a new pope.
- The group includes representatives from 70 countries—marking the most diverse conclave ever.
- Pope Francis appointed 108 of the 133 voting cardinals.
- Cardinals surrendered phones, are sequestered, and took oaths of secrecy.
- Smoke signals will indicate results; white for a new pope, black if undecided.
- Contenders include Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy), Cardinal Luis Tagle (Philippines), and Cardinal Peter Erdo (Hungary).
- Calls for reform on LGBTQ+ inclusion, women’s roles, and abuse accountability surround the election.
- Public protests and symbolic acts, including pink smoke for women’s ordination, preceded the conclave.
- Vatican security measures include jamming communication signals around the Sistine Chapel.
Deep Look: Cardinals Enter Conclave to Choose New Pope in a Historic, Globally Diverse Election
In a solemn procession rich with centuries-old ritual and global significance, 133 Roman Catholic cardinals filed into the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday to begin the secretive process of choosing the next pope. The scene—set against Michelangelo’s towering Last Judgment fresco—marked the start of what may be one of the most transformative papal elections in recent history.
As the “Litany of the Saints” echoed through the chapel, the cardinals, dressed in vivid red vestments, took an oath of secrecy, turned over their phones, and prepared for the sacred work of electing the 267th leader of the Catholic Church. The conclave follows the passing of Pope Francis, whose 12-year pontificate was marked by reform, controversy, and historic firsts.
A Globally Unprecedented Conclave
For the first time, the College of Cardinals includes members from 70 countries, including first-time representatives from Mongolia, Tonga, and Sweden. Pope Francis, who expanded the electorate to 133 cardinals—well above the traditional cap of 120—personally appointed 108 of the electors, many aligned with his progressive vision of a church rooted in compassion, inclusivity, and global outreach.
That diversity, while historic, has created some logistical and political uncertainty. Many cardinals met for the first time only days before the conclave began, raising speculation about the time it will take for one candidate to secure the required two-thirds majority, or 89 votes.
“This time, no one knows what will happen,” said Cardinal Mario Zenari of Syria. “We must wait and see.”
Ritual and Symbolism in Action
Wednesday began with a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, where Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, urged his fellow electors to abandon personal agendas and embrace unity. Later, inside the Sistine Chapel, each cardinal placed a hand on the Gospel and swore solemn oaths before the doors were sealed.
Inside, the atmosphere was heavy with reverence and responsibility. As directed by church law, once “Extra omnes”—Latin for “all out”—is declared, all non-voting personnel exit and the cardinals begin their task.
Though not required, a first round of voting was expected Wednesday evening, with black smoke—indicating no decision—anticipated by 7 p.m. Rome time. If needed, the cardinals may vote up to four times daily until a new pope is chosen.
Pressure for Reform and Accountability
As tradition and secrecy unfold inside the Vatican, pressure from the outside world is mounting. Groups representing young Catholics, survivors of clergy sexual abuse, women seeking ordination, and conservative factions all sought to influence the process in recent days.
Notably, activists advocating for women’s inclusion released pink smoke over the Vatican, demanding the ordination of women and their participation in future conclaves. Abuse survivors warned cardinals to choose a pope committed to full transparency and accountability.
Meanwhile, political intrusion sparked controversy. A photo posted by U.S. President Donald Trump dressed as a pope—meant as a joke—was criticized by former Italian Premier Romano Prodi as “indecent” interference in spiritual affairs.
Who Are the Leading Contenders?
While conclaves often produce unexpected results, three names have surfaced frequently among Vatican watchers:
- Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy, age 70): Vatican Secretary of State and a seasoned diplomat, seen as a stabilizing force and likely to maintain continuity with Francis’ vision.
- Cardinal Luis Tagle (Philippines, age 67): Charismatic and globally respected, Tagle could become the first Asian pope. He leads the Vatican’s evangelization arm and has a strong following in the Global South.
- Cardinal Peter Erdo (Hungary, age 72): Represents the conservative wing of the church and is favored by traditionalists for his firm stance on doctrine.
What’s at Stake?
The new pope will inherit a Catholic Church still grappling with deep internal divisions and external challenges—from addressing sexual abuse and increasing secularization in the West to managing explosive growth in the Global South.
The next pontiff must decide whether to continue Francis’ efforts to elevate lay participation, welcome marginalized groups, and prioritize environmental stewardship—or to recalibrate toward a more conservative, doctrinally rigid institution.
Lisette Herrera, a pilgrim from the Dominican Republic praying in St. Peter’s Square, summed up the hope shared by many.
“I’m praying to the Holy Spirit for a young pope who would stay with us for a long time. I don’t believe in conclave politics—just in the Spirit’s will.”
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