The conclave will see a historic 133 voting cardinals, many of whom were appointed by Francis himself, making it a unique gathering as they cast ballots to choose the next pope. The cardinals aim to tackle the challenging task of balancing the legacy of Pope Francis, who championed inclusivity, against conservative factions pushing for a more traditional direction.
As the cardinals entered a period of seclusion after their morning Mass, they were reminded by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re—the dean of the College of Cardinals—that their decision holds a heavy burden at this "difficult, complex, and tormented" historical moment. Over the next days, the cardinals will conduct several rounds of voting until they achieve a two-thirds majority in favor of a new pope.
Expert predictions speculate on potential candidates like Cardinal Pietro Parolin of Italy and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines, with each representing different visions for the future of the church. As the world watches, all eyes will be on the vent above the Sistine Chapel, where smoke signals will announce the outcome of the conclave—white for a new pope, black if the voting remains unresolved.
As the cardinals entered a period of seclusion after their morning Mass, they were reminded by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re—the dean of the College of Cardinals—that their decision holds a heavy burden at this "difficult, complex, and tormented" historical moment. Over the next days, the cardinals will conduct several rounds of voting until they achieve a two-thirds majority in favor of a new pope.
Expert predictions speculate on potential candidates like Cardinal Pietro Parolin of Italy and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines, with each representing different visions for the future of the church. As the world watches, all eyes will be on the vent above the Sistine Chapel, where smoke signals will announce the outcome of the conclave—white for a new pope, black if the voting remains unresolved.
