New Conclave: Cardinal Diversity Marks Historic Papal Election

VATICAN CITY — The passing of Pope Francis on April 21 has initiated a pivotal conclave to select his successor, which is expected to be one of the most diverse in history. With 135 electors from around the globe, the College of Cardinals will gather to honor Francis and make future decisions regarding the papacy.

Francis, who died at the age of 88 after a stroke, was elected Pope in 2013, marking a historic moment as he was the first pontiff from South America. During his papacy, he appointed 108 of the current cardinal electors, broadening the College’s representation, especially across Asia and Africa.

Gregg Gassman, a librarian and editor of the Pontifacts podcast, noted that this conclave would be “the least European conclave in history.” The composition reflects a growing number of elector cardinals from diverse backgrounds, with at least 70 countries represented. Notably, Asia’s representation has increased to 17% among the electors.

Church rules stipulate that only cardinals under the age of 80 can vote for the next pope. The election is governed by a process that mandates secret ballots, requiring a two-thirds majority to elect a new pontiff. If the votes result in deadlock, the conclave may proceed to a runoff vote between the top candidates.

Massimo Faggioli, a church historian, emphasized that the international climate significantly impacts the current electors, complicating predictions about candidate preferences and votes. Several experts highlighted concerns about reaching a consensus due to the relatively large size of the College of Cardinals.

The actual conclave will take place after a nine-day mourning period, during which the electors will stay in the Vatican’s Domus Sanctae Marthae. The process is cloaked in secrecy, with electors prohibited from communicating with outsiders. After each vote, the ballots will be burned, producing either white smoke, signaling a new pope has been elected, or black smoke, indicating further voting is required.

Leading candidates for the papacy include Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State; Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines; Cardinal Peter Turkson from Ghana; and Cardinal Juan Jose Omella from Spain, among others. Their varying perspectives on issues such as social justice, LGBTQ+ inclusivity, and church doctrine could shape the future direction of the Catholic Church.

The conclave is a momentous occasion for the church, with the potential to alter the dynamics of the papacy and the Catholic Church globally. As cardinals converge in the Vatican, the world will watch eagerly for the outcome of this historic election.