The death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday has triggered the beginning of one of the most secretive events in the world, the election of a new Pope.
Cardinals Choose Next Pope in Secrecy and Tradition
According to MailOnline, millions around the globe will follow the transition closely, much of the process will take place behind closed doors, in strict accordance with centuries-old tradition.
The Conclave, derived from the Latin cum clave meaning “with a key”, refers to the highly confidential gathering of eligible cardinals to elect the next head of the Catholic Church.
The process involves no public briefings Including making private deals or communicating with the outside world – could lead to excommunication.
After nine days of official mourning, Pope Francis’ body will lie in state in St Peter’s Basilica.
The election process itself will not begin until at least 15 days after his death, to allow time for cardinals from around the world to travel to Rome.
Who Will Vote
Of the 252 living cardinals, 138 are under the age of 80 and eligible to vote in the Conclave.
The Vatican will house these men at St Martha’s House, a guest residence that provides privacy, meals, medical care. Most crucially denies access to newspapers, phones, television, or the internet.
Although the Vatican no longer locks cardinals in a room, it expects them to remain fully secluded.
During the balloting, which follows no rigid structure, cardinals must secure a two-thirds majority to elect a candidate.
Length and Signals
Historically, conclaves have varied greatly in length. The longest on record lasted 34 months in the 13th century, while the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis lasted just two days.
Despite the use of modern technology elsewhere in the Church.
The Vatican still relies on centuries-old traditions to announce the outcome: white smoke for success, black smoke for no result.
As the Vatican prepares for one of the most significant transitions in global religious leadership. The world waits — not in the open, but in anticipation of a puff of white smoke and a new chapter for the Catholic Church.
What qualities do you think the next Pope should have to lead the Church in today’s world?
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