Today marks the beginning of the conclave to elect the 267th Successor of Saint Peter, following the death of His Holiness Pope Francis. The eyes of the world now turn to the Sistine Chapel, where the cardinal electors have gathered in solemn prayer and discernment, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The College of Cardinals currently numbers 252 members, of whom 135 are cardinal electors – those under the age of 80 eligible to vote in a papal conclave. Due to ill health, two electors are unable to be present in Rome, bringing the number of participating electors to 133. The remaining 117 are non-electors.
The electors represent a truly global Church, coming from 72 nations. Remarkably, 55 of these countries are represented by a single cardinal elector, highlighting the universality and diversity of the Catholic Church.
This morning, the cardinals gathered for a first round of voting. Should a new Pope not be elected today, the following days will see four ballots daily until the white smoke rises from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signalling that a new Pontiff has accepted the call.
The makeup of the conclave reflects the legacy of three recent pontificates. Saint John Paul II created 5 of the electors and 36 non-electors; Pope Benedict XVI appointed 22 electors and 40 non-electors; and Pope Francis, over his 13-year pontificate, appointed 108 of the cardinal electors and 41 non-electors.
Cardinal Angelo Acerbi, who will turn 100 on 23 September, is the oldest member of the College. The youngest, Cardinal Mykola Bychok, C.Ss.R., Eparchial Bishop of Saints Peter and Paul of Melbourne of the Ukrainians, was born in February 1980.
In the lead-up to the conclave, twelve General Congregations were held. In the final session, the cardinals reflected deeply on the theme of communion, calling for the new Pope to be Pontifex – a bridge builder – and a shepherd marked by mercy, humanity, and synodality. It was said that in this time of global conflict, violence, and deep polarization, the Church must be led by a Pope who can embody hope and compassion.
Other discussions during the General Congregations included the role of Canon Law and the papal office, the unity of the Church, the role of consistories, and the significance of key liturgical celebrations such as the Solemnity of Christ the King and the World Day of the Poor.
Themes of missionary renewal were also raised, especially through Christian initiation and formation, the testimony of modern-day martyrs, religious freedom in areas of conflict, and the urgent moral and pastoral responsibility of addressing climate change.
As the conclave begins in silence and solemnity, the Diocese of Northampton invites all the faithful to join in prayer for the cardinals and for the Church, that the new Holy Father may lead the People of God with wisdom, courage, and love.
Come, Holy Spirit
Prayer
Collect for the Election of a Pope
O God, eternal shepherd,
who govern your flock with unfailing care, grant in your boundless fatherly love
a pastor for your Church
who will please you by his holiness and to us show watchful care.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
— Roman Missal
