Catholic cardinals commence election of new Pope inside Sistine Chapel

Catholic cardinals from around the world have gathered in the Sistine Chapel beneath Michelangelo’s The Last Judgment in the afternoon of May 7 to begin voting in what is expected to be the largest—and perhaps most unpredictable—papal conclave in history.

The election follows the death of Pope Francis last month at age 88, Caliber.Az reports, leaving behind a College of Cardinals marked by deep divisions between reformers who supported his progressive vision and conservatives who want to reverse it, as described by the Guardian.

Since April 28, the 133 cardinal-electors have been meeting daily to discuss the future direction of the Church, but consensus remains elusive. Jakarta Archbishop Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo described the mood as one of “confusion,” noting the wide range of opinions expressed by the roughly 50 speakers so far.

The cardinals entered seclusion at Casa Santa Maria, the Vatican guesthouse on May 6, surrendering phones and outside contact until a new pope is elected. Voting occurs twice daily, with black smoke signalling no decision and white smoke indicating a successful election. If no pope is chosen after three days, a day of reflection is observed.

Speculation over likely successors includes US Cardinal Robert Prevost, a moderate; Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, a seasoned diplomat; and reformist Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle—dubbed “the Asian Francis”—alongside more than 20 other candidates.

By Nazrin Sadigova