Today in Vatican City, the 133 cardinal electors have begun the ceremony that will take them from the Pauline Chapel to the Sistine Chapel, where they will gather in the conclave to elect the next pope of the Catholic Church, the 267th in the institution's history.
The procession began at 4:30 PM local time, following a brief prayer led by the Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, in the Pauline Chapel. Before departing, Parolin reminded them in Latin of the importance of choosing a worthy shepherd of Christ's flock, while the entire Church accompanied them in prayer.
Led by a cross, the procession included members of the Pontifical Musical Chapel, prelates, masters of ceremonies, and other prominent figures. The cardinals walked in reverse order of precedence, responding to the "Litany of the Saints" and asking for the help of the great saints of Christian history.
The route took the cardinals from the Pauline Chapel, known for its frescoes by Michelangelo, to the Sistine Chapel, passing through the Sala Regia. In the Sistine Chapel, the cardinal electors will celebrate the 'De Spiritu Sancto' mass daily during the conclave, invoking divine assistance.
Once inside the Sistine Chapel, the "Veni Creator" will be sung to solemnly invoke the presence and help of the Holy Spirit, followed by the oath that commits them in the election process.
