Cardinals from around the world are assembling in the Vatican for the secretive papal conclave, a centuries-old tradition to elect the next pope.
The process, held in the Sistine Chapel, involves daily votes and ancient rituals, including the use of smoke signals to announce the outcome. This year's conclave, beginning May 7, 2025, follows the death of Pope Francis and features 133 cardinals as electors. The world is closely watching, with speculation swirling around leading candidates such as Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
The event underscores the enduring significance and intrigue of the papal succession process.
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I am excited to see who the next pope will be!
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Secret Conclave set to gather to choose the next pope with ancient rituals & smoke signals in 1,000-year-old tradition
THE conclave is set to gather to choose the next pope in an ancient and secret process that has remained unchanged for 1,000 years. Cardinals from across the world have begun arriving in the
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Inside the conclave: A visual guide to the election of the next pope
Cardinals from across the world have begun gathering in the Vatican for the conclave, a secret set of votes in the Sistine Chapel to elect the next pope. Each day, dressed in striking scarlet robes, they will make their way from their lodgings in Casa Santa Marta to the chapel, where votes are cast beneath the frescoes.
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