The conclave for electing the new pope has commenced following the death of Pope Francis, who served for 12 years. This process, steeped in tradition and history, takes place behind closed doors at the Sistine Chapel. It is governed by a centuries-old protocol, primarily outlined in the 1996 apostolic constitution by Pope John Paul II. While only cardinals under 80 can vote, all cardinals may attend. With 133 eligible voters, the new leader will hold supreme authority over the world's 1.4 billion Catholics.
Behind the closed doors of the Sistine Chapel, cardinals from around the world will convene to elect the 267th pontiff.
The conclave will be held behind the closed doors of the Sistine Chapel. It generally lasts several days and, in some cases, weeks.
The term conclave comes from the Latin term con clavis, meaning with a key, a reference to the tradition of locking the cardinals away until a new pope is elected.
As the formal mourning period for Pope Francis has ended, attention now shifts to the papal conclave in Vatican City.
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