Conclave begins: On Wednesday, May 7, a heavy door of the Sistine chapel closed when the cardinals entered pairs to choose another Pope. The cries of “extra omnes” – Latin for “All Out” filled the air and introduced the Vatican secret process.
The beginning of the conclave is the beginning of one of the oldest and secret traditions of the Catholic Church. Inside of the Sistine Chapel, 133 cardinals with red-humiliating the sacred task of selecting another leader of 1.4 billion members, in what is now the world’s most diverse conclave in its 2,000-year history.
According to tradition, the conclave comes almost two weeks after the death of Pope Francis – who died 21 April – just a day after Easter.
The Cardinals entered the chapel in pairs and sang the scary “litany of the saints” as the Swiss guards watched. The ancient anthems, immersed in the ritual, called on the Holy and the Holy Spirit for leading in the selection of the good successor of Pope Francis, reported PTI.
The Vatican State Secretary presides the Conclave
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, a state secretary and considered the leading candidate, chaired the Assembly. As the highest cardinal under the age of 80, he took the proceedings and spoke to Latin under Michelangelo towering with the last Fresco judgment.
Cardinals stepped forward one by one, put their hands on the gospel and swore an oath – in Latin – to follow the strict secrets that covered the conclave from the outside world.
How will another Pope be elected – a view of the process
The Pope is elected by a voting process where cardinals can vote only under 80 years. Here’s a short story:
- Voting process: Each cardinal writes the name of its elected candidate for a secret vote. The voices then gather and count. In order to be elected by the Pope, the candidate must provide a two -thirds majority.
2. Smoke signals: After each round of the vote, the ballots are burned. If no decision is reached, the Sixtine Chapel chimney comes black smoke – the signal that the process continues. But white smoke indicates that a new Pope was selected.
3. Adoption: Once the candidate receives the required number of votes, it is asked to take the role. If he agrees, he selects the papal name. Soon afterwards, he will enter the balcony of the Basilica of St. Peter and is introduced to the world with a traditional announcement: “Habemus papam” – “We have Pope.”
(Tagstotranslate) Conclave Begins
