The Vatican’s highly anticipated conclave officially began on Wednesday as Catholic cardinals from 70 countries entered the Sistine Chapel to elect the 267th pope. This follows the passing of Pope Francis in April at the age of 88. The cardinals first took solemn oaths of secrecy in a ceremony steeped in tradition, which included a procession from the Pauline Chapel accompanied by choral hymns and organ music.

Guided by the Universi Dominici Gregis and other liturgical texts, the cardinals vowed to maintain strict confidentiality and uphold the Church’s integrity throughout the election process. The conclave, the largest in history, is a testament to Pope Francis’s legacy of diversifying the College of Cardinals, with substantial representation from the Global South.

Voting is scheduled to take place up to four times daily until a two-thirds majority—requiring at least 89 votes—is secured. Security measures have been intensified, with signal jammers and deactivated mobile services inside Vatican City ensuring the sanctity of the proceedings. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, led the opening Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, calling for unity and spiritual discernment during this pivotal time for the Catholic Church.

Leading candidates for the papacy include Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi of Bologna, Cardinal Peter Erdo of Hungary, and Cardinal Robert Prevost of the United States. The international community and millions of Catholics worldwide await the outcome of this historic conclave, which will shape the Church’s future direction.