The upcoming papal conclave, taking place in the Sistine Chapel, serves as a critical juncture for the Catholic Church following the passing of Pope Francis. With 133 voting cardinals, the gathering is seen as one of the most diverse and unpredictable in history, mirroring internal rifts between progressive and traditional factions. The conclave involves intense discussions and voting sessions, accompanied by solemn oaths of secrecy. Confusion reportedly reigns among cardinals as they attempt to consolidate their visions for the future amidst varied opinions, making the process of electing the new pope particularly challenging.
One of the legacies of Pope Francis, who died last month aged 88, was to leave behind a widely diverse but divided college of cardinals.
The cardinals swear an oath to secrecy, as do all Vatican staff assisting them, from cooks and cleaners to drivers and medics.
There's a lot of confusion, he told journalists after hearing addresses from 50 cardinals. We have heard many voices, it's not easy to draw conclusions.
The challenge of the task in hand... is to find a consensus among a diverse group while remaining true to the church's missions and beliefs.
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