Catholic cardinals are gathering in the Sistine Chapel today to begin the process of electing a new pope, a highly guarded ritual following the death of Pope Francis on April 21.
The election, known as a CONCLAVE, brings together 133 high-ranking clerics from around the world to choose the next leader of the Catholic Church. The proceedings are marked by secrecy and complex procedures.
Facing this task, some participating cardinals have reportedly sought an unusual form of preparation: watching a recent movie about the papal election process. The 2024 film "Conclave," directed by Edward Berger, is said to provide clerics with pointers on the dynamics and protocol involved.
Many of the cardinals entering the CONCLAVE were appointed by the late pontiff and lack firsthand experience with the process. The movie, which depicts internal college politics and unforeseen candidate challenges, is seen as offering practical insight for those navigating the selection for the first time.
The period leading up to the CONCLAVE has been marked by controversies within the Vatican. Recent reports include anonymous leaks targeting potential papal favorites and resurfaced allegations against several contenders.
One cardinal connected to a financial fraud case was barred from participating in the election following the disclosure of a posthumous letter from Pope Francis. Cardinal Angelo Becciu was excluded from the process under these circumstances.
Pre-CONCLAVE discussions have also focused on issues such as the future influence of Rome within the church structure and the extent of external political maneuvering seeking to sway the outcome of the vote. The battle for next pope is about whether Rome is still the Church’s power base..The cardinals will swear an oath of secrecy before beginning deliberations and voting in the Sistine Chapel. Smoke signals from the chapel chimney will announce the results – black for no decision, white for a new pope.
