Conclave begins with a strong influence from Francisco’s nominations

After the period of mourning for the death of Pope Francis, the Vatican became, on Wednesday (07), the epicenter of attention with the beginning of the conclave for the election of the new leader of the Catholic Church. The 135 cardinals voters, gathered in the Sistine Chapel, begin the process of choosing the Supreme Pontiff this afternoon, in a conclave that is already configured as a historic milestone. This is the third 21st century conclave, succeeding the elections of Benedict 16 in 2005 and Francisco himself in 2013.

One of the most prominent points of this election is the significant majority of Cardinals Voters – 108 of 135, representing 80% of the total – were appointed by Pope Francis himself during his 12 years of pontificate. This overwhelming majority, representing a rich diversity of Catholic communities of different cultures, suggests a strong possibility that the next leader of the Church share the view of a more progressive and inclusive pontificate, brands of Francisco’s management. However, Vatican analysts have considered that the elected will hardly be a revolutionary of the same magnitude as the deceased Pope.

Also read: Lula says Pope Francis was “the greatest religious leader of the 21st century”

The conclave had its initial rite with a mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by the solemn entrance of the cardinals in the Sistine Chapel. There they took the judgment of confidentiality and obedience, a crucial moment that precedes the total isolation of voters from the outside world. The expectation for the first day includes the possibility of an initial vote, whose result – inconclusive (black smoke) or decisive (white smoke and bells) – would be released around 14h (Brasília time). In all 133 cardinals participate in the vote, of the 135 that could – two are out for health reasons, according to the Vatican.

From this Thursday (8), the rhythm intensifies with four daily votes, two in the morning and two in the afternoon, until a candidate reaches the qualified majority of two thirds of the votes (90 votes). Voting banknotes, fully filled with the name of the favorite under the Latin inscription “ELIGIO IN SUMMUM PONTIFICEM”, are burned at the end of each round, with the addition of paint to signal the result through the color of smoke expelled by the sistine chapel chimney. A break for prayer and contemplation is scheduled for Saturday (10), if no decision is made by the end of Friday.

Also read: Brazilian cardinals gain strength in the conclave that will elect new Pope

The composition of the Cardinal College for this conclave reflects Francisco’s strategy to broaden the global representativeness of the Church. For the first time in history, 71 countries are represented among voters, a significant increase compared to 48 of 2013. Currently, of the 252 cardinals in total, 138 are not Europeans, and among the 135 voters, 82 are from outside Europe, a record number that shows the growing importance of Global South in the Catholic scenario.

Brazil has a relevant participation in the conclave, with seven cardinals able to vote:

• Sérgio da Rocha, Primate of Brazil and Archbishop of Salvador (65 years)
• Jaime Spengler, president of CNBB and Archbishop of Porto Alegre (64 years)
• Odilo Scherer, Archbishop of São Paulo (75 years old)
• Orani Tempesta, Archbishop of Rio de Janeiro (74 years old)
• Paulo Cezar Costa, Archbishop of Brasilia (57 years old)
• João Braz de Aviz, Archbishop Emeritus of Brasilia (77 years old)
• Leonardo Ulrich Steiner, Archbishop of Manaus (74 years old)

Recently, Dom Leonardo Ulrich Steiner’s name even appeared on lists of possible favorites, as reported by the agency Reuters.

The duration of the conclave is uncertain, but recent history points to relatively fast processes. In the last ten conclaves, none exceeded five days, and the most recent two lasted only two days. As soon as a new Pope is elected and accepted the position, the white smoke and the bells of St. Peter will announce to the world the new leader of the Catholic Church. The formal announcement, preceded by the traditional Latin greeting “Habemus Papam”, should occur about an hour after the election confirmation.

The world expects the conclave to unfold with the course of the Catholic Church in a period of complex global challenges. The strong influence of Francisco’s nominations signals a possible continuity, but the name of the new pontiff and his leadership style are still unknowns that keeps the faithful and observers attentive to the signs from the Vatican.

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with agencies