Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan from New York is gearing up for the upcoming conclave with some practical advice for first-time participants. “Bring a book,” he suggested in a recent interview, as cardinals prepared to move into Casa Santa Marta, the guesthouse located within Vatican City, ahead of the proceedings. "I certainly do," he added, highlighting that much of the conclave involves periods of silence and waiting.
In the sacred atmosphere of the Sistine Chapel, cardinal electors are mandated to take an oath of secrecy before voting by secret ballot. The election of the new pope requires multiple rounds of voting until a two-thirds majority is achieved. Cardinal Dolan noted that each voting session can take one to two hours, creating an experience filled with anticipation but also lengthy silences as each cardinal submits their vote in a meticulous process designed to uphold the integrity of the election.
Reflecting on his own experience during the conclave that resulted in the election of Pope Francis in 2013, Cardinal Dolan remarked that, “It’s not exactly edge-of-your-seat entertainment.” To occupy his time during the wait, he plans to bring along a biography of Michelangelo, a fitting choice given the stunning artwork that surrounds the cardinals, notably the iconic “The Last Judgment,” which beautifully adorns the altar wall of the chapel.
In the sacred atmosphere of the Sistine Chapel, cardinal electors are mandated to take an oath of secrecy before voting by secret ballot. The election of the new pope requires multiple rounds of voting until a two-thirds majority is achieved. Cardinal Dolan noted that each voting session can take one to two hours, creating an experience filled with anticipation but also lengthy silences as each cardinal submits their vote in a meticulous process designed to uphold the integrity of the election.
Reflecting on his own experience during the conclave that resulted in the election of Pope Francis in 2013, Cardinal Dolan remarked that, “It’s not exactly edge-of-your-seat entertainment.” To occupy his time during the wait, he plans to bring along a biography of Michelangelo, a fitting choice given the stunning artwork that surrounds the cardinals, notably the iconic “The Last Judgment,” which beautifully adorns the altar wall of the chapel.
