• Source:JND
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Today marks the formal start of the papal conclave, the centuries‑old ritual to elect the next leader of the Catholic Church. At noon, the doors of the Sistine Chapel were ceremonially sealed, symbolising the cardinals’ complete separation from the outside world. To reinforce confidentiality, signal jammers have been installed around the chapel, and every cardinal surrendered their mobile phones and electronic devices. These measures ensure that no external communications or surveillance can breach the sacred electoral process. A total of 133 cardinal electors. Each under the age of 80 will cast ballots in the conclave. 

Leading Papal Contenders

 - Cardinal Pietro Parolin – Italy

 - Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle – Philippines

 - Cardinal Gérald Lacroix – Quebec

 - Cardinal Joseph Tobin – United States

Voting Process And Duration

Conclave proceedings continue until one candidate secures a two‑thirds majority plus one vote. There is no statutory time limit: the shortest conclave on record lasted just ten hours in 1503 (electing Pope Pius III), while the longest dragged on for nearly three years during the 13th century. Recent history suggests a quicker outcome, Pope Francis was chosen in 2013 after two days and five ballots; Pope Benedict XVI in 2005 took two days and four ballots; and Pope John Paul II in 1978 was elected over two days after eight ballots.

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Spiritual Preparations And Oaths

After the doors closed, the dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, led the assembly in prayers invoking the “spirit of intelligence, truth, and peace” so that the electors may “know your will and serve with total dedication.” Next come the solemn oaths: first a collective vow, then individual pledges, promising strict secrecy and an absolute commitment to preventing any outside interference. Any cardinal breaking these vows faces excommunication.

Once the vote tally is complete, white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel chimney will signal to the faithful that a new pope has been chosen. If the ballots remain inconclusive, black smoke will rise, indicating that further rounds are needed. 

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