By Peter Omopo
A total of 133 Catholic cardinals gathered at St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday, May 7, to celebrate a solemn Mass just hours before entering the secret conclave to elect a new pope following the death of Pope Francis last month.
Led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the special liturgy included a formal procession and incense-blessing of the altar and a statue of the Virgin Mary. Hymns echoed through the historic basilica as the cardinals prepared spiritually for the monumental task ahead.
Following the Mass, the cardinals will proceed to the Sistine Chapel, where the private conclave will officially begin. The election process, steeped in centuries-old tradition, will require a two-thirds majority to select the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church.
Although a vote will be held on Wednesday, a pope has not been elected on the first day of a conclave in modern history. Voting is expected to continue over the coming days, with up to four ballots cast daily until a consensus is reached.
