Conclave begins as world waits for new pontiff

The world is closely watching as the papal election unfolds, with the conclave officially commencing on Wednesday.

This crucial moment in the Catholic Church’s history has brought together 133 cardinal electors from a pool of 173, each tasked with selecting the next leader of the world’s largest Christian denomination.

As the cardinals gather in secrecy within the Sistine Chapel, the faithful and the global community await the announcement of the new Pope, whose leadership will guide the Church through a rapidly changing world.

An update issued by the Vatican News citing the Director of the Holy See Press Office Matteo Bruni, stated that on Tuesday morning, May 6, the day before the beginning of the Conclave, 173 Cardinals, including 133 Cardinal electors, participated in the twelfth General Congregation.

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The Mass pro eligendo Pontifice was held on Wednesday morning before the cardinals were transported from Casa Santa Marta to the Apostolic Palace to the Conclave and for beginning of the voting in the afternoon.

Among the 26 priority issues raised by the cardinals during their general congregation for the new pope, include legislation on abuse, economic challenges, reforms within the Roman Curia, synodality, efforts for peace and care for creation.

The cardinals also stressed the importance of the new pope embodying the role of a Pontifex—a builder of bridges, a shepherd, a leader of humanity, and the face of a compassionate, Samaritan Church.

In a world marked by war, violence, and deep polarization, the need for a pope who brings mercy, promotes synodality, and offers hope was a central theme.

Other issues discussed included Christian initiation and formation as acts of missionary outreach, the memory of martyrs who have suffered for the faith in conflict zones or areas where religious freedom is restricted, and the pressing matter of climate change.

The date of Easter, the Council of Nicaea, and the importance of ecumenical dialogue also emerged as significant topics.

Further discussions focused on Canon Law, the power of the pope, the role of cardinals within the Church, and the proximity of the Solemnity of Christ the King and World Day of the Poor, suggesting that these events should be considered in tandem.

The cardinals also called for regular meetings of the College of Cardinals during Consistories to strengthen the Church’s governance.

If the cardinals don’t get a pope on Wednesday, the voting will continue on Thursday.

Bruni explained that on Thursday morning at 7:45am (8:45am Kenyan time), the Cardinals will depart from Santa Marta to the Apostolic Palace, and at 8:15am, they will celebrate Mass and Lauds in the Pauline Chapel.

Afterward, at 9:15am, there will be mid-morning prayer in the Sistine Chapel.

Bruni clarified that possible timing for smoke could be roughly after 10:30am if there were to be white smoke, and after 12pm.

On Thursday afternoon, at 3:45pm, the cardinals will gather at the Apostolic Palace and will resume voting in the Sistine Chapel at 4:30pm.

For afternoon votes, Bruni noted that possible smoke could appear after 5:30pm (6:30pm Kenyan time), if there were white smoke, otherwise around 7pm.

To validly elect a new Pope, a two-thirds majority of the electors present is required. That means at least 89 votes are needed out of 133 elector cardinals.

If the total number of electors is not evenly divisible by three, an additional vote is necessary.

The Vatican Press Director indicated that if voting begins on the afternoon of the first day, there will be only one ballot.

On subsequent days, two ballots are held in the morning and two in the afternoon.

After the votes are counted, all ballots are burned. If the ballot was inconclusive, a chimney positioned over the Sistine Chapel emits black smoke.

If a Pope is elected, white smoke will billow out of the chimney.

If the electors fail to reach an agreement on a candidate after three days of inconclusive voting, a break of up to one day is allowed for prayer, free discussion among voters, and a brief spiritual exhortation by the Cardinal Proto-Deacon (Cardinal Dominique Mamberti).

If still no Pope is elected after 21 votes, a final pause for prayer, dialogue and reflection is observed.

At this point, voting continues— but the cardinals may only choose between the two candidates who received the most votes in the previous round.