Cardinals begin conclave to elect new pope

VATICAN CITY – Catholic cardinals have begun the process of electing a new pope to succeed Pope Francis, participating in a pre-Conclave ‘Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice’ Mass in Saint Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday morning. 

The Mass was presided over by the dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re, and included both the 133 cardinal electors and those over 80 who are not eligible to vote.

Later in the afternoon, the cardinal electors will proceed from the Santa Marta residence to the Pauline Chapel in a procession before entering the Sistine Chapel to begin the conclave. 

The initial proceedings will include a catechesis by Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa and the swearing of the oath of office, followed by the first vote.

The first smoke signal indicating the outcome of the initial ballot is expected from the Sistine Chapel “not before 7:00 p.m.” on Wednesday (around 1 a.m. in Manila), according to Holy See Press Office Director Matteo Bruni.

Beginning Thursday, the cardinals will hold up to four votes daily – two in the morning and two in the afternoon. 

Smoke signals will be released twice a day to inform the public of the voting results. 

If no pope is elected during the morning session, black smoke is anticipated around noon.

Conversely, if the first vote of the day is successful, white smoke signaling the election of a new pope could appear as early as 10:30 a.m. 

The same schedule applies in the afternoon, with black smoke around 7 p.m. if no decision is reached and white smoke potentially appearing by 5:30 p.m. if the first ballot is conclusive. / ANSA / PNA