Following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, 133 Catholic cardinals convened in the Sistine Chapel to elect his successor. This conclave, steeped in history, will witness cardinals engaging in a series of votes, which may take days to weeks. The election process involves symbolic gestures, such as the release of white smoke if a new pope is chosen, or black smoke if not. The ritual carries a profound sense of responsibility, historically underscored by Michelangelo's Last Judgement, reminding the cardinals of the weight of their decision.
The cardinals are reminded of the gravity of their decision by Michelangelo's depiction of the Last Judgement, which underscores the responsibility they bear in selecting a new leader.
As the cardinals begin to vote, the process could potentially last for weeks, demonstrating the significance of the selection of the pope for the Catholic Church.
The conclave's tradition of sequestering cardinals ensures that this critical voting process is conducted without outside influence, highlighting the commitment to confidentiality and seriousness in choosing a new pope.
Modern papal conclaves evolved significantly, with practices established centuries ago, such as the secret ballot and the oath of secrecy, reflecting the deep-rooted history behind this selection process.
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