daniel chigunwe
ROME.—The 133 cardinal-electors entered the Sistine Chapel in solemn procession yesterday — beginning the conclave to elect the 267th Pope.
Under the gaze of Michelangelo’s frescoes, the cardinals who took part in the 2025 conclave entered the Sistine Chapel and the ancient ritual to elect the Pope had officially begun.
At around 3:45pm, the cardinal-electors had gathered in the Pauline Chapel and, in reverse order of precedence, processed into the Sistine Chapel chanting the “Litany of the Saints” and then the hymn “Veni Creator Spiritus,” invoking the Holy Spirit to descend upon them.
Leading the procession was a cross, followed by the choir, and then the priest assistants to the Master of Ceremonies.
Behind them came the Secretary of the Conclave, and then the cardinal tasked with delivering the opening meditation after the chapel was sealed.
Once inside the Sistine Chapel, each cardinal stood and placed his hand on the Gospel, reciting the oath of secrecy that binds them during and after the conclave.
“So help me God and these Holy Gospels which I touch with my hand,” each one declared.
As the doors of the Sistine Chapel closed with the proclamation “Extra omnes”—everyone out —all non-essential personnel exited.
What You Need To Know
- A two-thirds majority, in this case at least 89 votes, was required to elect a new Pope. Black smoke would be a signal an inconclusive vote; white smoke, accompanied by the tolling of bells, proclaimed the arrival of a new Pope.
- This conclave is one of the most diverse in history, with electors hailing from 70 countries – a reflection of Pope Francis’ efforts to broaden representation within the Church.
- The cardinals were not allowed to communicate with the outside world. They had no access to radio, television, newspapers, telephones, faxes, internet or social media.
- The new Pope will be the head of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics
- The cardinal electors faced a stark choice — select a pontiff who will follow in the footsteps of Pope Francis, an Argentine reformer who advocated for migrants and the environment, or one who will guide the Catholic Church down a more traditional path.
- Conclave security was being provided by the army, police and a group of volunteer “knights” who trace their roots to a powerful but mysterious religious order founded in the 12th century.
- The Knights Templar were a formidable force until the 1300s, established during the Crusades to protect pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land.—ABC News/The Vatican
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