Conclave: Inside the World's Most Secret Ballot
The world is holding its breath as 133 Catholic cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday to choose a successor to Pope Francis, each one having sworn an oath of absolute and perpetual secrecy. This is the most secretive election in the world, with even those inside the Vatican vetted for their loyalty and dedication to keeping the details under wraps.
The Vatican takes no chances in ensuring that the voting process remains secure and isolated from the secular world's influences. Measures are taken to prevent "nefarious forces" from attempting to hack into the system or disrupt the proceedings. Electronic jammers are used to block phone and wi-fi signals, while the chapel and guesthouses are swept for microphones and bugs.
Even those working behind the high Vatican walls for the conclave have been heavily vetted, with everyone barred from communicating with electors unless absolutely necessary. The cardinals are completely incommunicado, with only walkie-talkies allowed for specific circumstances like medical emergencies or announcements of a new pope.
If someone were to break the rules, they risk ex-communication – a fate worse than death for those who have dedicated their lives to serving the Catholic Church. "There is an oath, and those who do not observe it risk being excluded from the church," says Monsignor Paolo de Nicolo, the former head of the Papal household.
But outside the Vatican's walls, rumors and speculation abound about the electors' discussions and alliances. Reporters have been grilling waiters in local restaurants for any sightings or overheard conversations, while cameras and reporters gather near St Peter's Basilica to catch a glimpse of the cardinals on their daily congregations.
Catholics believe that the election is guided by God, not politics, but the hierarchy takes no chances in ensuring that the process remains free from external influences. "The whole idea is for this to be a religious decision, not a political one," explains Ines San Martin of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the US.
The man chosen will not only shape the future of the Catholic Church but also wield significant moral authority and global sway on issues ranging from conflict resolution to sexual politics. Certain Catholic monarchs had a veto on the election up until 1907, but today, voices from all quarters try to influence the debate – most obviously through the media.
Groups are trying to bang the drum on issues of interest to them, and some potential contenders have been targeted with propaganda campaigns. However, John Allen believes that personal preference will dominate over politics once the electors are inside the Vatican.
The Oath: What Happens if You Break the Rules?
Those who break the rules risk ex-communication – a fate worse than death for those who have dedicated their lives to serving the Catholic Church. "There is an oath, and those who do not observe it risk being excluded from the church," says Monsignor Paolo de Nicolo.
The Cardinals' Discussions: Key to the Process
By Wednesday morning, all the electors should be in place inside the Vatican – stripped of their phones and sealed off from the rest of the world. From then on, John Allen believes personal preference will dominate over politics, liberal or conservative factions or the "rattle and hum of public debate."
The Smoke Signal: How the Vatican Makes Its Announcement
Custom fireworks and standby firefighters will be ready to go off once the smoke signal is made. But for now, the world waits with bated breath as the cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel to choose their new leader.
Who Will Be the Next Pope?
The process is unpredictable, but one thing is certain – the next pope will wield significant moral authority and global sway on issues ranging from conflict resolution to sexual politics. Will it be a conservative or liberal candidate? Only time will tell.
Key Candidates in an Unpredictable Process
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