In a solemn and historic tradition, 133 cardinals from around the world have entered the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City to begin the secretive process of electing a new pope to succeed Pope Francis.
The day began with a special mass at 10 a.m. called Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice, which translates to “for the election of the Roman Pontiff.” Later, at 5:30 p.m., the cardinals formed a procession from the Pauline Chapel to the Sistine Chapel, marking the official start of the conclave.
As they walked through the halls of the Apostolic Palace, the cardinals chanted the “Litany of the Saints,” invoking the prayers of over 100 saints. Leading the procession were a cross and two lit candles, while Archbishop Diego Giovanni Ravelli, the Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations, followed at the rear.
Once inside the Sistine Chapel—where papal elections have taken place since the 15th century—the cardinals sang Veni, Creator Spiritus, a thousand-year-old hymn calling upon the Holy Spirit for guidance and wisdom.
The cardinals then took a solemn collective oath to maintain complete secrecy about all aspects of the election. One by one, beginning with Cardinal Pietro Parolin of Italy, they stepped forward to repeat the oath individually:
“And I… do promise, pledge and swear. So help me God and these Holy Gospels which I touch with my hand.”
After the oaths were taken, the phrase “Extra omnes”—Latin for “everyone out”—was announced, and the chapel doors were closed to the outside world. From that moment, no one but the cardinals and a few select officials remained inside.
As tradition dictates, the world now turns its eyes to the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, watching for the symbolic smoke that signals the outcome of the voting. On the first day of the conclave, at around 8 p.m., black smoke rose from the chimney—indicating that no pope had yet been chosen.
The faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, as well as millions watching from around the world, now wait in anticipation. White smoke will signal that a new pope has been elected.
Voting is expected to continue today. According to Vatican protocol, the cardinals may vote up to four times each day—twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon. After each round, ballots are burned, with smoke rising from the chimney once or twice daily to indicate the outcome.
