On Wednesday evening, under the domed ceiling of Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, 133 cardinals will vote to elect the Catholic Church's 267th pope. The day will begin at 10:00 (09:00 BST) with a mass in St Peter's Basilica. The service, which will be televised, will be presided over by Giovanni Battista Re, the 91-year-old Cardinal Dean who was also the celebrant of Pope Francis' funeral. In the early afternoon, mobile signal within the territory of the Vatican will be deactivated to prevent anyone taking part in the conclave from contacting the outside world. Around 16:15 (15:15 BST), the 133 cardinal electors will gather in the Pauline Chapel and form a procession to the Sistine Chapel. All the while they will be singing a litany and the hymn Veni Creator - an invocation to the Holy Spirit, which is seen as the guiding hand that will help cardinals choose the new Pope. Once in the Sistine Chapel, one hand resting on a copy of the Gospel, the cardinals will pronounce the prescribed oath of secrecy which precludes them from ever sharing details about how the new Pope was elected. When the last of the electors has taken the oath, a meditation will be held. Then, the Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations Diego Ravelli will announce "extra omnes" ("everybody out"). He is one of three ecclesiastical staff allowed to stay in the Sistine Chapel despite not being a cardinal elector, even though they will have to leave the premises during the counting of the votes. The moment "extra omnes" is pronounced marks the start of the cardinals' isolation – and the start of the conclave. The word, which comes from the Latin for "cum clave", or "locked with key" is slightly misleading, as the cardinals are no longer locked inside; rather, on Tuesday Vatican officials closed the entrances to the Apostolic Palace – which includes the Sistine Chapel- with lead seals which will remain until the end of the proceedings. Swiss guards will also flank all the entrances to the chapel. Diego Ravelli will distribute ballot papers, and the cardinals will proceed to the first vote soon after. While nothing forbids the Pope from being elected with the first vote, it has not happened in centuries. Still, that first ballot is very important, says Austen Ivereigh, a Catholic writer and commentator. "The cardinals who have more than 20 votes will be taken into consideration. In the first ballot the votes will be very scattered and the electors know they have to concentrate on the ones that have numbers," says Ivereigh. He adds that every other ballot thereafter will indicate which of the cardinals have the momentum. "It's almost like a political campaign… but it's not really a competition; it's an effort by the body to find consensus." If the vote doesn't yield the two-third majority needed to elect the new pope, the cardinals go back to guesthouse Casa Santa Marta for dinner. It is then, on the sidelines of the voting process, that important conversations among the cardinals take place and consensus begins to coalesce around different names. According to Italian media, the menu options consist of light dishes which are usually served to guests of the residence, and includes wine – but no spirits. The waiters and kitchen staff are also sworn to secrecy and cannot leave the grounds for the duration of the conclave. From Thursday morning, cardinals will be taking breakfast between 06:30 (05:30 BST) and 07:30 (06:30 BST) ahead of mass at 08:15 (07:15 BST). Two votes then take place in the morning, followed by lunch and rest. In his memoirs, Pope Francis said that was when he began to receive signals from the other cardinals that serious consensus was beginning to form around him; he was elected during the first afternoon vote. The last two conclaves have all concluded by the end of the second day. There is no way of knowing at this stage whether this will be a long or a short conclave – but cardinals are aware that dragging the proceedings on could be interpreted as a sign of gaping disagreements. As they discuss, pray and vote, outside the boarded-up windows of the Sistine Chapel thousands of faithful will be looking up to the chimney to the right of St Peter's Basilica, waiting for the white plume of smoke to signal that the next pope has been elected.
Voting for new Pope set to begin with cardinals entering secret conclave
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Cardinals Prepare to Elect New Pope in Secret Conclave"
Bbc News
8.1
TruthLens AI Summary
On Wednesday evening, 133 cardinals will convene in the Sistine Chapel to elect the 267th pope of the Catholic Church, a process steeped in tradition and secrecy. The day will commence with a mass at St. Peter's Basilica, led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who previously officiated Pope Francis' funeral. Following the mass, mobile signals within the Vatican will be deactivated to ensure the cardinals remain isolated from the outside world. The electors will then gather in the Pauline Chapel and proceed to the Sistine Chapel, singing hymns as they invoke the Holy Spirit's guidance in their decision-making. Once inside, the cardinals will take an oath of secrecy, pledging to never disclose the details of the election process. The closing of the chapel's doors, marked by the announcement of "extra omnes," signifies the beginning of their conclave, a period during which they will be cut off from outside communication and influence.
The voting process will begin with the distribution of ballot papers, leading to the first vote shortly thereafter. Historically, a pope has not been elected on the first ballot for centuries, but this initial vote is crucial for gauging the support for various candidates. The cardinals are expected to engage in discussions during breaks, particularly after votes that do not yield a two-thirds majority, as they seek to build consensus around potential candidates. The upcoming conclave will unfold under the watchful eyes of thousands of faithful outside the chapel, who will await the appearance of white smoke from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling the election of a new pope. The cardinals are aware that protracted voting could indicate significant disagreements among them, and they will strive for a swift resolution to the election process, reflecting the urgency and weight of their collective decision in guiding the future of the Church.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article provides a detailed account of the upcoming conclave where 133 cardinals will gather to elect the next Pope. The setting is significant—the Sistine Chapel—and the description of the rituals involved highlights both the solemnity and the secrecy of the process. The news aims to inform the public about the procedures and traditions surrounding the election of a new pope, an event of great importance to the Catholic Church and its followers.
Purpose of the Article
This news piece serves to educate and inform the global audience about the electoral process within the Catholic Church. By outlining the rituals and the significance of the conclave, it emphasizes the gravity of the event and the historical context of papal elections. The detailed description is likely intended to engage readers and create a sense of anticipation regarding the outcome.
Public Perception
The article may evoke a sense of respect and reverence for the traditions of the Catholic Church. It highlights the secrecy and seriousness of the conclave, which could foster trust in the integrity of the election process. The emphasis on the oath of secrecy and the isolation of the cardinals may also create a mystique around the event, drawing in both believers and those intrigued by the political aspects of religious leadership.
Potential Concealments
While the article focuses on the conclave, it may divert attention from other pressing issues within the Church or the Vatican, such as ongoing controversies or debates regarding church policies. By concentrating on the ceremonial aspects, there might be an implication that this is a time of stability, distracting from any underlying challenges the church may be facing.
Manipulative Nature
The manipulative potential of this article is relatively low. It does not appear to use inflammatory language or target specific groups negatively. Instead, it presents a straightforward account of the events, although the framing of the conclave as a moment of divine inspiration could be seen as an attempt to elevate its significance.
Truthfulness of the Article
The information appears to be credible, as it reflects widely known practices and rituals associated with papal elections. However, the lack of critical commentary on the implications of the election process or the candidates themselves may lead to a somewhat sanitized portrayal of the event.
Connection to Other News
When compared to other stories about the Catholic Church, this article is likely part of a broader narrative that emphasizes continuity and tradition during times of change. There may be underlying topics such as reform within the Church or responses to contemporary societal issues that are not addressed in this piece, but which could be relevant in the context of papal leadership.
Impact on Society and Politics
The election of a new Pope can have significant implications for both the Catholic Church and global politics. Depending on the new Pope's views and policies, there could be shifts in the Church's stance on various social issues, which could affect millions of followers worldwide.
Audience Appeal
This article is likely to resonate with devout Catholics and those interested in religious affairs. It may also attract readers with a general curiosity about significant global events, regardless of their personal beliefs.
Market Implications
While not directly affecting stock markets, the event could influence sectors linked to the Catholic Church, such as education and charity organizations. Companies or organizations that align with Catholic values may see increased interest based on the new Pope's agenda.
Geopolitical Context
The timing of the conclave may intersect with current global discussions about leadership, morality, and authority. The new Pope's policies could either align with or challenge existing global power dynamics, particularly in regions where the Church has a strong influence.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
There’s a possibility that AI tools were utilized in drafting or editing the article, especially in terms of structuring the narrative or ensuring clarity. However, the content appears largely traditional and human-centered, focusing on historical and cultural significance rather than technological intervention.
In summary, while the article presents a factual account of an important religious event, it might also serve to reinforce traditional values and distract from more contentious issues within the Church. The overall reliability of the information is high, although it could benefit from a broader context regarding current challenges faced by the Catholic Church.