The College of Cardinals is convening in Vatican City to elect a successor to Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday after 12 years of service. The election process, known as a papal conclave, involves 133 cardinals casting secret ballots in the Sistine Chapel. They begin with a Holy Mass at St. Peter's Basilica, followed by prayers and meditation led by Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa. Voting will commence on Wednesday evening, taking place multiple times daily until a new pontiff is elected. The public will receive updates through smoke signals from the chapel chimney.
On Wednesday, 133 cardinals will begin the process with the traditional Holy Mass for the Election of the Pope at St. Peter's Basilica.
All voting cardinals swear an oath to fulfill the mission of Peter, known as the 'Munus Petrinium,' should they be elected.
The Preacher Emeritus of the Papal Household will lead a meditation attended by the cardinals before they sequester to vote.
Famously, ballots are burned after each round of voting, and the smoke from a special chimney communicates the result to the public.
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