The Vatican is preparing for the conclave that will take place on Wednesday, May 7, after the nine days of official mourning for the death of Pope Francis have concluded. A total of 133 cardinal electors out of the 135 designated will participate in the election of the new pope in the Sistine Chapel.
The last of the so-called Novendiales was held in St. Peter's Basilica, where Cardinal Dominique Mamberti highlighted the dedication and courage of the Argentine pope until the very end. Mamberti, protodeacon of the College of Cardinals, will announce the election of the new pope with the traditional “Habemus papam” after the voting of the cardinals under 80 years old.
The election process will unfold with a ritual of seclusion in the Sistine Chapel, where the cardinals will participate in voting until the necessary majority is reached to appoint the new head of the Catholic Church. During this week, the cardinals will meet in general congregations to exchange visions and move towards consensus.
To ensure the discretion and security of the process, a surveillance operation will be implemented in the Vatican that will include the deactivation of cameras, strengthening of access points, and the exclusion of personnel not related to the event in the Sistine Chapel. Ceremonial staff, medical personnel, cleaning staff, and assistants will have to swear absolute confidentiality during the conclave.
