On May 8, the largest and most geographically diverse conclave in history was set to resume, as Roman Catholic cardinals returned to the iconic Sistine Chapel. Their mission? To navigate the complex and highly ritualized process of selecting a new leader for the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. The conclave officially commenced on Wednesday, with tensions rising as the red-hatted princes of the Church began their deliberations.
As the evening fell, black smoke emanated from a specially-installed chimney visible from St. Peter’s Square, signaling an inconclusive ballot. This outcome was anticipated, as no pope in modern times has been elected on the first voting attempt. However, hope remains that a decisive result could emerge from the second day of voting, during which up to four rounds are permitted.
A remarkable 133 cardinals from 70 different countries participated in this secret ballot, marking a significant increase from the 115 cardinals from 48 nations who took part in the last conclave in 2013. This growth is a testament to the late Pope Francis's efforts to broaden the reach of the Catholic Church during his impactful 12-year tenure. Notably, Pope Francis, who passed away last month, was elected after just two days and five rounds of voting, while his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, also required two days but only four votes for his election.
As the conclave continues, there are currently no clear favorites among the papal candidates, though Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle are viewed as front-runners. If it becomes evident that neither can secure the necessary two-thirds majority, votes are likely to shift toward other contenders. This could lead to a consolidation around candidates based on geographical representation, shared doctrinal beliefs, or common languages.
Among the other potential papal candidates, referred to as papabili in Italian, are France’s Jean-Marc Aveline, Hungary’s Peter Erdo, American Robert Prevost, and Italy’s Pierbattista Pizzaballa. The diverse range of candidates reflects the global nature of the Catholic Church and the various perspectives within its leadership.
During the conclave, cardinals are sequestered from the outside world and bound by a vow of secrecy. Their phones and computers are confiscated to maintain confidentiality as they are shuttled between the Sistine Chapel for voting and two Vatican guesthouses for rest and meals. In the days leading up to the conclave, many cardinals expressed their views on what they seek in the next pope, particularly in light of Pope Francis’s relatively liberal pontificate. Some call for continuity with his vision of openness and reform, while others advocate for a return to traditional practices and a more predictable, measured approach to leadership.
As the world watches closely, the outcome of this conclave could reshape the future direction of the Catholic Church, reflecting the diverse needs and aspirations of its global congregation.
