Cardinals Enter Sistine Chapel to Begin Historic Papal Conclave
Vatican City – May 7, 2025 — A moment steeped in centuries of sacred tradition unfolded today as the College of Cardinals entered the Sistine Chapel, formally beginning the secretive and solemn process to elect the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
The conclave, one of the most iconic and historically rich rituals of the Vatican, commenced behind closed doors following the solemn chant “Extra omnes,” Latin for “Everyone out,” signaling all non-cardinals to leave the chapel. The event marks the beginning of a process that could last days, during which 120 cardinal electors from around the world will cast their votes to choose a new pope — the spiritual leader of over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide.
This sacred ritual is carried out under absolute secrecy within the hallowed walls of the Sistine Chapel, famed for Michelangelo’s stunning frescoes. The conclave follows the recent resignation of Pope Benedict XVII, whose departure created a sede vacante (vacant seat) in the papacy.
During the conclave, cardinals are cut off from the outside world, without access to phones, internet, or media, ensuring their deliberations remain free from external influence. The process is guided by centuries-old protocols, including the requirement for a two-thirds majority to elect the new pontiff.
Each day of the conclave includes multiple rounds of voting. After each ballot, the votes are burned in a stove inside the chapel. Chemicals are added to the smoke to indicate the result to the public: black smoke signals no decision, while white smoke will signal the successful election of a new pope.
Speculation continues to swirl over potential frontrunners, with names such as Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi of Italy, and Cardinal Péter Erdő of Hungary mentioned among Vatican watchers. However, the outcome remains highly uncertain, as the cardinals are guided by both deliberation and divine inspiration.
The world now waits and watches the Vatican chimney for that symbolic puff of white smoke — a sign that the Roman Catholic Church has found its new shepherd.
This conclave, like those before it, is a defining moment for the global Catholic community, and its results will shape the direction of the Church for years to come.
Stay with us for continuing coverage on the papal conclave and the election of the new pope.
Source : Swifteradio.com
