In brief
As the conclave progresses, the 133 cardinal electors are bound by a sacred oath that shapes the future of the papacy.
In a traditional ceremony held within the iconic Sistine Chapel, cardinals gathered to take an oath as they embarked on the process of electing the next pope. This solemn occasion, guided by the directives established by Pope John Paul II in 1996, required each of the cardinal electors to promise adherence to the established rules and to ensure the confidentiality of the voting process.The most senior cardinal initiated the proceedings by reciting the oath in Latin, which the other cardinals echoed. Their pledge asserted a commitment to upholding the mission of St. Peter, emphasizing the importance of defending the spiritual and temporal rights of the Holy See. Adhering to the promise of secrecy, the cardinals also agreed to destroy all documentation related to their votes and discussions, ensuring that only the results would be revealed.In the past, details surrounding the conclave discussions have emerged, sometimes ignited by confidential journals written by cardinals. Such documents occasionally shed light on the dynamics at play during the election, offering insights into the processes that lead to the selection of a new pope.As the concluding element of this ritual, once the last cardinal has completed the oath, Diego Ravelli, the master of papal liturgical celebrations, will declare “extra omnes,” effectively signaling that no one outside the cardinal electors can remain while the voting takes place.This election is especially significant as it determines the direction of the Catholic Church following Pope Francis’ papacy.Elisabetta Povoledo continues to provide in-depth coverage of events within the Vatican, focusing on significant developments that shape not only religious spheres but also cultural contexts across Italy.
