On Wednesday, the 133 Catholic Cardinal electors took their oath of secrecy and gathered for a meditation delivered by the former Preacher of the Papal Household.
The solemn event took place in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, where the centuries-old tradition of the papal conclave unfolded.
As part of the conclave process, the Cardinals are kept in strict isolation to shield them from outside influence, ensuring the integrity of their decision-making as they gather to elect the next Pope.
Pope Francis, the 266th Vicar of Christ, passed away on April 21, 2025, following his papacy, which began in 2013. With his death, the conclave process was triggered, and speculation has already begun surrounding potential candidates.
Among those mentioned are Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, and Hungarian Cardinal Peter Erdo.
The election process will culminate when white smoke rises from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney, signaling to the world that a new Pope has been selected.
The Cardinals’ entrance into the chapel was an event steeped in ritual and history. Under the gaze of Michelangelo’s famous frescoes, they entered in reverse order of precedence.
The procession began with the chanting of the “Litany of the Saints” and the hymn “Veni Creator Spiritus,” invoking the Holy Spirit to guide their decisions.
The Vatican described the scene: “At approximately 3:45 p.m., the 133 cardinal-electors gathered in the Pauline Chapel and, in a reverse order, processed into the Sistine Chapel. Leading the procession was a cross, followed by the choir, and then the priest assistants to the Master of Ceremonies.
The Secretary of the Conclave and the cardinal delivering the opening meditation followed. Finally, the Master of Ceremonies entered, with the cardinal electors in the traditional order—deacons, priests, and bishops.”
The conclave will continue until a new Pope is elected, a process that follows the death and burial of Pope Francis, who was laid to rest at the Santa Maria Maggiore basilica on April 26, 2025.