The doors of the Sistine Chapel have been shut down to the outside world, officially marking the beginning of the secretive conclave where 133 cardinals are now locked inside to elect the next pope.
As Latin chants and organ music echoed through the Vatican’s ancient corridors, the cardinals processed into the fresco-adorned chapel under Michelangelo’s towering “Last Judgment” mural. Each took an oath of secrecy, swearing on the Gospels not to reveal anything that transpires within.
The command “Extra Omnes”—Latin for “Everyone Out”—was then declared, signalling all non-participants to exit. The chapel’s heavy wooden doors shut firmly behind them, severing any link between the cardinals and the outside world until a new pontiff is chosen.
From this point forward, the world’s eyes turn skyward to a single chimney on the Sistine Chapel. It is here that the symbolic smoke—black for no decision, white for a new pope—will signal the outcome of each voting round.
There will be only one vote today, Wednesday, May 7, 2025. If no candidate secures the required two-thirds majority, the cardinals will return to their ballots tomorrow, casting up to four votes per day until consensus is reached.
The voting process is steeped in tradition. Each cardinal writes their chosen candidate’s name on a ballot reading, in Latin, “I elect as Supreme Pontiff.” They then walk, one by one in order of seniority, to place their vote in a large silver and gilded urn.
This conclave is notable for its global composition. Many of the cardinals were appointed by the late Pope Francis and hail from diverse regions, potentially opening the way for a less traditional candidate.
As night falls over Vatican City, the faithful and curious alike will look to the sky, waiting for a puff of smoke to signal the Church’s future. Will it be black or white tonight? Only the cardinals inside the Sistine Chapel know—and they aren’t telling.
By: Ekow Annan/newsalertgh.com
