Vatican City: The Catholic Church’s cardinals gathered on Wednesday for the pre-Conclave ‘Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice’ Mass at Saint Peter’s Basilica, marking the commencement of the process to elect a new pope.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Mass was led by Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals. The service included both the 133 cardinal electors eligible to vote in the Conclave and those who are not eligible due to age restrictions, being over 80 years old.
Later in the afternoon, the cardinals are expected to leave the Santa Marta residence within the Vatican. This procession will lead them to the Pauline Chapel of the Apostolic Palace, after which they will enter the Sistine Chapel. The proceedings will include a catechesis by Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, the swearing of the oath of office, and the initial vote to decide Pope Francis’s successor.
The Holy See Press Office Director Matteo Bruni announced on Tuesday that the first smoke signal from the papal conclave, indicating the result of the initial vote, is anticipated to emerge from the Sistine Chapel “not before 7 p.m.” on Wednesday.
