Vatican gears up for conclave as 22 papal contenders emerge
Intense preparations are underway in the Vatican for the conclave, which will begin on May 7. A special chimney has been installed on the roof of the Sistine Chapel. When white smoke emerges from it, it will signify that a new pope has been chosen. How long will the faithful have to wait for this sign?
What you need to know
- The conclave will begin on May 7 in the Sistine Chapel. A mass will be held at 10:00 AM in St. Peter's Basilica with the intention of electing the new pope, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista. The start of the conclave will commence with a prayer in the Pauline Chapel of the Apostolic Palace at 4:30 PM.
- An international team of Catholic journalists has compiled a list of 22 cardinals as potential candidates for the new pope.
- Intense preparations are underway. The authorities of Rome will introduce special security measures in connection with the influx of pilgrims, similar to those used during Pope Francis's funeral.
What are the predictions regarding the duration of the conclave?
The Vatican is preparing for the conclave, which is set to begin on May 7. A special chimney has been installed on the roof of the Sistine Chapel, from which white smoke will announce to the world the election of the new pope. Vatican experts predict that the conclave might conclude as early as May 8 or 9, similar to the previous two conclaves in 2005 and 2013, which lasted two days. However, some, like Swedish Cardinal Anders Arborelius, believe it may take longer due to the absence of a clear candidate.
How are the Roman authorities preparing for the conclave?
The city authorities are preparing for the influx of pilgrims and the subsequent significant crowd-drawing event in Rome. Security measures similar to those implemented during Pope Francis's funeral will be introduced. The prefect of Rome, Lamberto Giannini, emphasized that they must be ready to manage this event from the very first day.
"We must be ready to manage this most important event from the very first day. Not knowing when the election will take place and when the inauguration of the pontificate may occur, we have considered various scenarios, including that in two Sundays there might be a midday prayer with the new pope. This will require special preparation of the services," added Giannini.
Who is on the list of potential candidates?
The international team of Catholic journalists and researchers, "The College of Cardinals Report," has created a list of 22 cardinals who are real candidates to become the new pope, known as "papabili." There are currently 252 cardinals in the Catholic Church, but only 135 of them, who are under 80 years old, have the right to elect a new pope. Approximately 80% of the electing cardinals were appointed by Pope Francis, which does not necessarily guarantee the continuation of his policy.
