Catholic leaders set aside worldly concerns, solely focusing on divine guidance and ecclesiastical politics to elect Francis' successor, maintaining a phone-free environment.
VIBRANT VATICAN: As the world gears up for the pope-selecting event, Vatican City buzzes with a whirlwind of energy.
The cobblestone streets echo with pilgrims singing hymns as they bear heavy wooden crosses en route to St. Peter's Basilica. Street vendors peddle souvenirs, fridge magnets featuring the late Pope Francis' face, while tourists negotiate prices with a grin and a polo shirt. Despite the tourist chaos, the air is thick with anticipation as Vatican City assumes the celestial spotlight.
But the main drama unfolds in hushed whispers and silence.
Come Wednesday, 133 cardinal electors from across the globe will gather in the Sistine Chapel's hallowed halls - where legendary frescoes breathe life into ancient history. The chapel is rigorously sanitized, and even the Vatican staff swear an oath to guard the secrecy of the proceedings.
The conclave, or the clandestine ceremony, begins with the cardinals shuttled into the chapel for the most secretive of votes. Cut off from the outside world, they will cast their ballots until they elect the new leader of the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
Secrets and Silence
The cardinals'prepare for votereligious ceremony with a special Mass at St. Peter's Basilica before moving to the Sistine Chapel. The chapel is sealed and swept for listening devices, ensuring the utmost secrecy. All involved - even the Vatican staff - take an oath of silence.
The Painstaking Process
The cardinals hold one round of voting on the first day but only one vote is cast. Subsequent days witness two votes in the morning and afternoon. A candidate must receive two-thirds of the votes to be elected, which amounts to 89 votes considering 133 electors are participating.
Smoke Signals
After each round of voting, ballots are burned. A chemical mixture in the stove colors the smoke: Black smoke signals an inconclusive vote, while white smoke signals the successful election of a new Pope.
Timeouts and Closures
In unsuccessful rounds, the cardinals take breaks for reflection and informal discussions. The voting is temporarily halted after three days, three additional rounds, and every seven rounds that yield no decision.
Final Acts
Once a new Pope is elected, he is announced from St. Peter's Basilica by the senior cardinal deacon, who declares, "We have a new Pope," followed by the new leader's name and papal title.
The new Pope ascends to the throne, his journey intertwining with the rich tapestry of Vatican City's history.
The cardinals gather at St. Peter's Basilica for a special Mass before relocating to the Sistine Chapel, the smallest venue amidst the grandeur of Vatican City, where they prepare to lead the business of selecting the Pope.
With the blessings of the church and an oath of silence, the cardinals engage in the painstaking process of selecting a new Pope. The chapel is diligently scoured for any listening devices before each session to maintain the secrecy of the conclave.
As the cardinals cast their votes, packing them tightly into the ballot urns, the tense atmosphere remains, with even the Vatican staff adhering to a vow of silence.
The smoke signals from the Chapel's hearth signal the conclusion of each voting round – black smoke announcing an inconclusive vote, while white smoke heralds the selection of a new Pope, forever changing the financial and leadership landscape of the Catholic Church.
