by InTrieste
The eyes of the world turned to Rome on Wednesday as the Catholic Church began the solemn and secretive process of electing its 267th pope, following the death of Pope Francis last month at the age of 88.
The day began with a Mass Pro Eligendo Pontifice—for the election of a new pontiff—in St. Peter’s Basilica. At 4:30 p.m. local time, the 133 cardinal-electors processed into the Sistine Chapel, where they swore an oath of secrecy before the doors were closed behind them, marking the official start of the conclave.
Though the College of Cardinals currently includes 252 members from 90 countries, only those under the age of 80 were eligible to vote. Two of the 135 eligible electors—Antonio Cañizares of Spain and John Njue of Kenya—were absent due to health reasons, bringing the number of voting cardinals to 133.
As tradition dictates, the cardinals held their first vote on Wednesday evening. At around 9 p.m., black smoke billowed from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel—signaling to the crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square and to the world that no pope had yet been chosen.
A Global Electorate
This conclave marked a striking departure from past elections in terms of its international composition. Pope Francis, who reshaped the College of Cardinals during his 11-year papacy, appointed 108 of the 133 participating electors. Many of them hailed from parts of the world that once had little representation in the Vatican hierarchy.
Fifty-two electors came from Europe, 23 from Asia, 21 from Latin America, 18 from Africa, and 10 from the United States. Italy, though still the most represented country, accounted for only 17 electors—far fewer than the 28 who participated in the 2013 conclave that elected Francis.
Vatican watchers noted that this diverse electorate, reflecting the global reach of the Church’s 1.4 billion faithful, made the outcome more unpredictable than in decades past. “This conclave was less about geography and more about vision,” said Church historian Lucia Benedetti. “It’s a moment of transition not only in leadership, but in identity.”
Generational Spread
Among the cardinal-electors, the oldest was Carlos Osoro Sierra of Spain, who is set to turn 80 in June. The youngest, 45-year-old Mykola Bychok—Ukrainian-born and currently serving in Melbourne, Australia—represents the youngest voice in a gathering steeped in tradition.
With no pope elected after the first day of voting, the cardinals are expected to resume deliberations on Thursday, continuing a process cloaked in ritual, reflection, and prayer.
