The eyes of the Catholic world are fixed on Rome as the sacred and secretive journey to elect a new pope begins tomorrow, May 7.
All 133 cardinal electors have arrived in the Eternal City, marking the final preparations for the highly anticipated conclave that will choose the successor to the late Pope Francis.
In a statement earlier today, Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, confirmed the presence of all voting cardinals, signaling a smooth commencement of the historic process.
“All the cardinal electors are now in Rome, ready to enter into prayer, reflection, and discernment as they prepare for the conclave,” Bruni announced.
The conclave will take place in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, which remain closed to visitors during those days.
The cardinals will begin the rounds of voting, isolated from the outside world, until a new pope is chosen.
The new pope will be tasked not only with guiding the spiritual life of over 1.3 billion Catholics but also with navigating a rapidly changing world.
The bells of St. Peter’s will soon toll again not for mourning, but for expectation.
As white smoke rises in the coming days, a new chapter in the Church’s long story will begin.
The term “Conclave” comes from two Latin words: cum (with) and clavis (key). In Church terminology, it designates both the secluded place where the papal election is held, and the body of cardinals convened there to elect the new Pope.
