Cardinals take part in pre-Conclave Mass

ROME, May 7 – On Wednesday, the Catholic Church’s cardinals attended the ‘Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice’ Mass ahead of the commencement of the papal election for selecting their next leader within St. Peter’s Basilica. This service was led by Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, and included participation from all 133 cardinal-electors as well as non-voting members due to being above the mandatory retirement age of eighty.
In the evening, following this ceremony, the cardinals began moving towards the Sistine Chapel via the traditional route starting with departure from Santa Marta Residence. Here, Cardinal Raniero Cantalamissa delivered an address, each participant swore the oath required for the position, and voting commenced immediately thereafter to determine Pope Francis’ successor.
The initial plume indicating whether a decision has been reached—or not—will appear sometime after 7 PM local time today according to Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office. Two ballots occur daily; hence additional indications can be expected twice more per day until someone achieves consensus among voters.
It may also happen sooner depending upon when agreement might transpire amongst participants during these sessions scheduled throughout tomorrow morning and early afternoon. Should unanimity emerge swiftly enough post-midday gathering on Day One itself, expect confirmation through billowing clouds signifying success shortly past ten-thirty AM instead.
Conversely, failure to reach accord promptly means waiting another full cycle beginning anew mid-afternoon onwards till either final acceptance occurs or nighttime falls once again without resolution occurring initially planned timing frame extending into late-evening hours otherwise anticipated timeline sequence unfolding accordingly.
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI passed away recently on April 21st—an Easter Sunday—at ninety-one having served twelve consecutive terms leading global Catholics prior his voluntary abdication setting stage current proceedings underway now seeking spiritual headship succeeding him presently vacant leadership role awaiting appointment.