Vatican City — One of the most important and mysterious events in the modern world is now unfolding behind closed doors in the Vatican. Today, 130 cardinals from across the globe will enter the Sistine Chapel to begin the sacred task of selecting a new pope, a spiritual leader who will shape the future of more than 1.3 billion Catholics around the world.
This sacred process, known as the conclave, follows the death of Pope Francis, whose decade-long papacy was marked by his humble leadership style, outreach to marginalized communities, and strong calls for Church reform. His passing has left a profound impact not only on Catholics but on world leaders, interfaith communities, and millions who looked to him as a moral voice.
The cardinals, dressed in their traditional scarlet robes, walked into the Sistine Chapel in silence, surrounded by Michelangelo’s Last Judgment and centuries of tradition. As the doors closed and the words “Extra omnes!” — everyone out! — echoed in the room, all non-electors left, sealing off the chapel from the outside world. From this point on, no phones, no internet, and no communication is allowed. The cardinals will remain completely cut off until a new pope is elected.
Group of Cardinals attending mass at Pope Francis burial
To maintain the integrity of the election, all electronic devices have been removed from Casa Santa Marta, where the cardinals are staying. Radios, televisions, Wi-Fi, and even landlines have been blocked. Everyone involved in supporting the conclave, from cooks and cleaners to medics and drivers, has taken an oath of secrecy.
The Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, a guesthouse built in 1996, now houses the electors. Although it was designed for smaller groups, it is currently hosting 133 voting-age cardinals and support staff. Every morning, the cardinals quietly walk the 500-meter path to the chapel to begin the day’s voting.
Their identical red robes serve as more than ceremonial dress. The colour represents both the blood of Christ and the willingness of each cardinal to lay down his life for the Church. These images of unity and sacrifice stand in contrast to the often divided world outside.
Inside the Sistine Chapel, the voting process unfolds beneath Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling. Up to four rounds of voting can happen each day. If no candidate secures a two-thirds majority, the ballots are burned and black smoke rises from the chapel chimney. When a pope is finally chosen, the smoke turns white, signaling to the world that the decision has been made.
The newly elected pope is then taken to the “Room of Tears,” a small chamber where he will don white papal robes and take a few moments to pray. Many new popes are said to have wept in this moment of deep responsibility.
The room of tears in the Sistine ChapelCREDIT: AFP PHOTO / OSSERVATORE ROMANO
Then, he steps out onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to greet the world with the words: Habemus Papam — We have a pope.
One of the UK’s most senior Catholic leaders, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, spoke openly before entering the conclave. “I feel quite intimidated knowing that people all over the world, from all faiths and beliefs, are watching and waiting,” he said. Nichols ruled himself out of being selected but urged the Church to pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. “The next pope must be someone who can speak across cultures, inspire hope, and guide with compassion.”
Though much attention focuses on who the next pope will be, the deeper questions are about what kind of leadership the Church needs right now. The new pope will inherit a Church facing deep internal tensions between conservative and progressive factions, declining attendance in Western countries, and rising influence in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Several names have quietly surfaced among Vatican watchers. Some cardinals are known for their diplomatic skill, others for their strong defense of traditional doctrine. There is growing interest in leaders from the Global South — particularly Africa and Latin America — where the Church is growing rapidly. While no official favorites have been confirmed, observers note a shift toward voices that can bridge divisions and renew faith.
The new pontiff will also be expected to address long-standing scandals involving abuse, issues of financial transparency, and increasing calls for reform. Beyond the Church, he must respond to a rapidly changing world shaped by war, climate change, inequality, and increasing alienation from institutions. His moral leadership will be closely watched not only by Catholics, but also by governments, human rights groups, and people of other faiths.
Geographically, the conclave reflects the Church’s international scope.
According to Vatican data, Europe has the largest bloc with 53 cardinal electors — though that number is expected to be 52 due to one Spanish cardinal’s absence. Italy leads individually with 17 electors, followed by the United States with 10. Brazil contributes 7, while France and Spain each have 5. Argentina, Canada, India, Poland, and Portugal each count 4 cardinal electors. This diversity underscores the global nature of the decision now underway.
Huge crowds at the Vatican watched the display of Pope Francis body
Rome itself has become a gathering place for the faithful and curious. Pilgrims fill St. Peter’s Square, some holding banners, others quietly praying or staring up at the small chimney above the chapel. “I want to be here when the white smoke rises,” said Maria Estevez, a nurse from Argentina. “This is history. It touches more than just Catholics.”
Vatican historian Father Paolo Ruggeri noted, “This conclave may shape the global Catholic agenda for the next 20 or 30 years. It is not just about tradition, but about how faith speaks to the modern world.”
Most conclaves in recent history have lasted between two and five days. Vatican sources suggest voting will continue with up to four rounds per day. If consensus is reached, white smoke could rise as early as the weekend, though no official timeline exists.
While the identity of the next pope remains unknown, what is clear is the significance of the decision now taking place in silence beneath one of the most beautiful ceilings in the world. As millions wait for a glimpse of white smoke, the world is reminded that some of the most important decisions are still made not with noise, but with prayer.
When the new pope finally appears on the balcony, it will be more than a name. It will be a symbol of unity, continuity, and a chance to guide a troubled world back toward spiritual grounding.
