Vatican Enters New Era as Conclave Begins for 267th Pope Election
By VANESSA GERA, Associated Press
VATICAN CITY (AP) — One hundred and thirty-three cardinals have commenced a conclave behind the Vatican’s walls to elect the next leader of the Catholic Church following the death of Pope Francis on April 21 at the age of 88. The conclave is an ancient ritual where cardinals vote in secrecy, isolated from the outside world.
This election is marked by a historically diverse electorate, with cardinals from various global regions, reflecting Catholicism’s expanding presence in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The Vatican has initiated stringent measures to avoid external influence, including confiscating cell phones and using signal jammers during the voting process.
Voting continues until a candidate gains a two-thirds majority, with smoke signals indicating the result: black for no decision and white for the election of a new pope. As the cardinals deliberate, they also contemplate the practicalities of age and the potential for a young leader to influence the Church’s future.
Once elected, the new pope will don papal vestments in the “Room of Tears” before addressing the world from St. Peter’s Basilica. The name chosen by the new pontiff will signal his priorities, possibly continuing Pope Francis’ legacy of compassion and social justice.
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