Conclave begins as cardinals seek bridge-building pope

The largest and most unpredictable conclave in modern history begins today, Wednesday, at 10am, with a public Holy Mass at St Peter’s Basilica.

Under Michelangelo’s The Last Judgment ceiling fresco, 133 cardinal-electors from around the globe will then enter the Sistine Chapel to choose a successor to Pope Francis.

With the College of Cardinals more diverse – and divided – than ever, speculation is swirling. U.S. Cardinal Robert Prevost has emerged as a rising contender, while moderates like Pietro Parolin and progressive voices such as Luis Antonio Tagle and Matteo Zuppi remain in play.

Reform-minded figures such as Mario Grech, a strong advocate of synodality, are seen as shaping the conversation even if not seen as frontrunners.  Conservatives, too, are lobbying behind the scenes for a more traditional direction.

Voting begins at around 4:15 pm, with black smoke indicating no decision and white signaling a new pope. While unity is the priority, the path forward remains uncertain – though many expect a short conclave. As one Vatican correspondent noted: “They believe God has already chosen. Now they must discover who.”

Ruth Zammit

News Editor
Journalist and Newscaster