Largest-Ever Conclave Underway To Elect New Pope

Cardinals from all around the world have gathered in the Vatican and will soon commence voting for electing the cardinal in the Sistine chapel on Wednesday evening. 133 cardinals, cut off from the world, have the power to cast their vote and determine the future of the church. 

As of now, the cardinals have gathered to swear a collective oath to maintain secrecy regarding the papal election. 

The conclave, which is the largest in history, was called on April 21 after the death of Pope Francis. The cardinals gathered together for the last time on Tuesday morning before retiring to their lodgings in Casa Santa Maria. They will be required to hand over their phones and remain in complete isolation until the election of a new pope. 

Each day will observe two voting sessions followed by emitting smoke from the chimney that is installed atop the Sistine chapel. A black smoke indicates that the cardinals have not yielded a decision whereas a white smoke erupting from the chimney will indicate that a new pope has been chosen.

Several cardinals have asserted that they expect the voting to be over after a few rounds, as reported by AP. The longest conclave in history had lasted for approximately three years. 

Once a new candidate is selected, he takes up a papal name and enters the ‘room of tears’, a symbolic name for the emotional weight of the responsibility ahead. He will then be announced to the world from St Peter라이브 바카라 Basilica. 

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, a close ally of Pope Francis will preside over the conclave. Parolin, who is an experienced diplomat of the Vatican, will administer the oath of secrecy and ask key questions to the newly elected pope. He is also considered to be a forerunner in this election.