Cardinal Electors Gather to Select New Pope Following Francis’s Death
On Wednesday, 133 cardinal electors will convene in the Sistine Chapel to commence the papal conclave, marking the formal process to elect a new leader for the Roman Catholic Church after the passing of Pope Francis. This traditional ceremony involves intense prayer and reflection, culminating in votes where cardinals will write down their preferred candidate for the papacy.
Dr. Milton Bravo, a theologian from Loyola University, notes that some cardinals are looking for a successor who can continue Pope Francis’s reforms and inspire hope in turbulent parts of the world. They seek a "builder of bridges" with diplomatic experience to guide the church. A two-thirds majority will be required to elect the new pontiff, and voting may occur up to four times daily.
In anticipation, parishioners at Christ the King Catholic Church in Towson express hope that the next pope will embody strong leadership and adhere firmly to Catholic doctrine. While the election could take several days, the global representation among cardinals has shifted, with less than 40% now from Europe, suggesting potential surprises in the outcome.
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