Newsroom
The world’s most secretive election is now underway. Today, 133 Roman Catholic cardinals began the conclave that will choose the next pope, gathering inside the Sistine Chapel under strict security and a vow of total silence.
Before entering, every cardinal swore on the Bible not to reveal anything said or done during the proceedings. Even doctors, waitstaff, and Vatican staff involved have taken an oath of “eternal secrecy.” Phones, tablets, smartwatches and anything that could break the silence are banned.
To ensure absolute privacy, Vatican security swept the Sistine Chapel and the cardinals’ residence for surveillance devices. Once inside, the cardinals are cut off from the world: no newspapers, no radio, no TV, and not even an open window.
Voting starts at noon each day, with cardinals casting ballots in silence. If there’s no winner, black smoke rises from the chapel’s chimney. White smoke means a new pope has been chosen.
Though they’re sworn to silence, outside the Vatican, speculation runs wild. Italian media are trailing cardinals at restaurants, trying to read political tea leaves. Even scandals and leaked videos, like one showing Cardinal Tagle singing karaoke—have entered the mix, though it’s only boosted his popularity online.
The conclave takes place in Pope Francis’s preferred home, Casa Santa Marta, a modest guesthouse he famously chose over the grand papal apartments. His successor, however, is expected to move back into the traditional quarters of the Apostolic Palace.
Until white smoke appears, the world will be watching—and waiting.
*With information from Reuters
