The date for the start of the Conclave, which will elect the new head of the Roman Catholic Church, is expected to be set today.
The cardinals will be secluded within the Sistine Chapel for as long as needed until white smoke signals the election of the new pontiff. There are reportedly at least 20 frontrunners for the papal throne.
The cardinals have been meeting daily, praying and discussing the qualities the new Pope should possess. The first session of the renowned Conclave, which will elect the successor to Pope Francis, is expected to take place on either 5 or 6 May.
Journalists and photographers are heavily surrounding the cardinals, treating them like Church celebrities, according to Corriere della Sera. The crowds have grown so large that police have had to install barriers outside the offices of the Holy See.
The possible successors
More than 20 cardinals are considered likely candidates. However, it remains unclear who holds the advantage, as the dynamics have shifted considerably. Pope Francis appointed over 100 new cardinals, lowered the average age considerably, and selected many from outside Europe and from smaller nations.
In 2013, European cardinals made up more than 50% of the electorate, but this has now fallen to 39%. It is expected that the election of the new Pope will see a competition between progressive and conservative factions.
Three main groups among the Cardinals
According to a journalist from RAI, there are three main tendencies within the College of Cardinals. One group, representing about 44.4% of the electors, is closely aligned with the policies of Pope Francis. Another group of moderates, comprising around 37%, also supports Francis but takes a less tolerant stance on certain social issues, such as homosexuality. Finally, the conservative faction, representing 18.8%, adheres to more traditional views.
Within these groups, Italian media have highlighted nine cardinals as standing out. Among them is Pietro Parolin, a close associate of the late Pope, who is considered the most prominent moderate candidate to continue Francis’ vision. He is also the favourite according to bookmakers in the United Kingdom.
The election process
On the first day of voting, the cardinals vote once, and thereafter four votes are held daily – two in the morning and two in the afternoon – until a candidate secures a two-thirds majority.
Once the doors are closed, the cardinals swear an oath of absolute secrecy. Each writes the name of their chosen candidate on a ballot paper and places it into a special urn. While they are instructed to use their own handwriting, they are encouraged to alter it slightly for confidentiality.
Once the new Pope is elected, he is taken to the Room of Tears next to the Sistine Chapel, where he dons the white papal vestments, which are prepared in three different sizes. White smoke from the chimney signals the election and is followed by the formal announcement.
Historic Conclaves
This historic process has been practised for centuries and typically concludes within a few days. The longest Conclave, however, lasted almost three years, from 1268 to 1271. In earlier centuries, there were even instances of cardinals dying during the Conclave. The Sistine Chapel was first used for the election of a Pope in 1492.
Regarding the white smoke, it used to be created by burning damp straw in the stove along with the ballots. However, this method sometimes failed, producing grey smoke that caused confusion over the outcome.
Also read: Who will be the next pope? Key candidates in an unpredictable process
Source: ertnews
