The Vatican is preparing for the highly anticipated conclave to elect a new pope, following the death of Pope Francis on April 21. Starting on Tuesday, 133 cardinal electors will begin moving into their accommodations for the conclave, which will take place on Wednesday in the Sistine Chapel. This conclave is notably the largest and most international one in history, with cardinals coming from 70 countries across five continents. Due to the large number of electors, some will be housed in the nearby Santa Marta Vecchia, while others will stay at the usual Santa Marta guesthouse.
The cardinals will have access to their rooms on Tuesday and Wednesday morning before the mass that precedes the conclave. This conclave could last anywhere from a few hours to several months, though previous elections have typically concluded within days. The longest papal election on record, in 1268-1271, lasted over three years.
In the days leading up to the conclave, the cardinal electors have held preparatory meetings covering various topics, including the Vatican's finances, the abuse scandal, and the profile of the next pope. Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco mentioned that the meetings have been a chance for the cardinals to get to know one another, as many had never met before, and suggested there are "at least five or six" contenders for the papacy.
While Francis' papacy was marked by energy and reform, with a focus on opening up the Church, some wonder whether his successor will continue in the same progressive direction or steer the Church toward a more conservative path. The cardinals are bound to secrecy throughout the election process, and once voting begins, they will not be allowed to contact the outside world. The world will be informed of the progress of the election through the burning of ballots: black smoke for no decision and white smoke for a new pope.
The Vatican has also announced that phone signals will be cut within the city-state from Wednesday afternoon until a pope is elected, though this will not affect St. Peter's Square. Staff members supporting the conclave, including medics, lift operators, and cleaning staff, have also taken oaths of secrecy.
