Cardinals Reflect Ahead Of Conclave To Choose New Pope (Video)

Catholic cardinals from around the world held their ninth meeting on Saturday, May 3, at the Vatican in preparation for choosing a new pope.

These gatherings, called “general congregations,” are being held before the official conclave starts on Wednesday, May 7, inside the Sistine Chapel.

The meetings allow the cardinals to quietly reflect and talk about the major issues facing the Catholic Church and the kind of leader needed after the passing of Pope Francis. A total of 177 cardinals were present at the Saturday session, with 127 of them qualified to vote in the conclave since they are under the age of 80.

The cardinals walked past crowds of reporters and pilgrims on their way to the meeting but shared little with the public. When asked how long the conclave might take, Cardinal William Goh of Singapore replied, “We do not know, we just wait for the Lord to tell us.” He added, “We recognise his achievement, but no pope is perfect, no one is able to do everything, so we will find the best person to succeed St Peter.”

A video posted by the Vatican confirmed the meeting took place and noted that the College of Cardinals continued their reflections on the state of the Church and the qualities required for the next pope. Vatican press director Matteo Bruni said Cardinals Francis Prevost and Marcello Semeraro were selected by lot to assist Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Farrell, along with Cardinal Reinhard Marx, in the smaller sessions known as “particular congregations.”

Since Pope Francis died on April 21, cardinals from all parts of the world have traveled to Rome. Francis, who led the Church for 12 years, was seen as a reformer and a symbol of humility.

Looking ahead to the conclave, 133 cardinals will be locked inside the Sistine Chapel where they will vote in secrecy until one candidate receives a two-thirds majority. In the past, the average length of conclaves has been about three days. The most recent two—those that selected Pope Benedict in 2005 and Pope Francis in 2013—each concluded in just two days.

Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco of Algiers said he hopes the next pope will continue in the footsteps of Francis, calling for unity and spiritual focus. “We could have had much more time praying together, but I am sure that at the right moment we will be ready and we will give the Church the pope that the Lord has wanted,” he said.

As tradition requires, strict rules will govern the conclave to avoid any external influence. The cardinals will not have contact with the outside world during the voting period. Even their meals will be carefully managed, following rules that have existed for over 750 years to prevent any form of hidden communication.

With preparations nearly complete, the Church—and the world—awaits the decision that will shape the future of the papacy.

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