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The starting date for the conclave has been set to begin Tuesday, March 12. In just about two days 115 Cardinal Electors will gather inside the Sistine Chapel as they prayerfully vote to select our next pope.Vatican News: Conclave to begin 3/12
Video: Sede Vacante begins
Video: Special urns used for the conclave
The process is very interesting, as it is a one deeply rooted in the history of Catholic Church.
Special Parish Presentation
As the world continues its prayers for our next pope and for the guidance of the Cardinal Electors, come listen to a casual discussion about the conclave process with Fathers O'Keeffe and Roberts in Parish Hall on Sunday, March 10 at 6:30 p.m.
Learn about some of these interesting facts, so that by Tuesday, you will have a greater understanding of the ballot process the entire world will be watching.
Did you know:
- 115 Cardinal Electors will be present inside the Sistine Chapel.
- A Cardinal who reached his eightieth birthday before the Holy See became vacant, is no longer eligible to participate in the conclave.
- If no one is elected after the ballot on the first afternoon, four ballots will take place each day following. If no one is elected after three days, the process is suspended for one complete day of prayer.
- The Cardinal electors must remain in the Vatican during the entire period of conclave, and no one can approach them when they move between the Sistine Chapel and their place of residence.
- After each ballot takes place, smoke will come from the chapel. Black smoke signifies that no one had been elected, and white smoke will report that a new pope has been named.
A Prayer for Pope Emerituswe might share in your creative power and build up human society.
All praise and glory are yours, almighty and eternal God. You created this earth and all it contains and placed creation within our care so that by the work of human hands
Look with kindness and blessing upon Benedict, our Holy Father, who has led our Church and who is now retiring. Allow him the time to survey all that he has accomplished and give him the satisfaction and fulfillment for all his labors, as you did on the seventh day, when you rested and saw that all you had made was good.
Give him peace and help him in this period of adjustment. Reassure him of your love and open new ways for him to share his gifts for the benefit of others.
Watch over our Church in the coming days as we seek the guidance of your Spirit.
We praise you, God of love, through Jesus Christ our Lord.