The conclave to select the next pope is about to begin with Catholic cardinals from across the world filing into the Sistine Chapel Wednesday before sealing themselves inside.
Starting at 4:30 p.m. in Vatican City – 10:30 am. Eastern Time — the 133 cardinals who gathered from over 70 countries will have no contact with the outside world as they decide who among them will lead the Catholic church following Pope Francis’ April death.
The cardinals filed into the frescoed Sistine Chapel and took an oath of secrecy after attending a public mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, marking the commencement of the secretive ritual dating back to the middle ages.
It is unclear how long this conclave will last. The previous ten averaged three days, with the 2013 selection of Pope Francis lasting two day. And none in modern times went longer than five days.
Wednesday’s session will allow for one vote, while all following days will allow up to four rounds of voting.
The cardinals famously communicate to the outside world using only smoke signals – black smoke meaning no cardinal received two-thirds support, white meaning a new pope has been chosen.
After Pope Francis’ tenure was marked by reforms in the church – and strong pushback from traditionalists — the cardinals are expected to strive for a speedy conclave to give an impression of unity to the world.
About 80% of the cardinals participating were appointed by Pope Francis, meaning the likelihood his high that his successor will continue his progressive policies.
That also means that a majority of the cardinals voting this year have never participated in a conclave before.
Secrecy protocols are paramount at the ceremony, with the Vatican using high-tech measures like signal jamming devices to prevent any communication with the outside world – and to prevent the outside world from covertly listening in.
The oath of secrecy extends even beyond the cardinals — with everybody in the Vatican, from cooks to elevator operators and beyond, vowing Monday to keep their lips sealed about the preparations.