The red curtains of the central balcony of the Basilica of San Pedro are already hung. There are few days left … hours. The white smoke could appear at any time and with it, A new Pope.
In Al Rojo Vivo, experts have already launched their bets. Javier Martínez Brocal, the man who knows most about these things, mentions three key names: The Italian Pietro Parolin, the Filipino Luis Antonio Tagle “Yes, the one.” Once ‘imagine’ sang– And the American Robert Prevost. The latter is the name that is most repeated: Jesus also highlights it, director of ‘Digital Religion’, as one of the favorites.
Prevost has a peculiar profile. Born in Chicago, from Spanish and French parents, forty years have passed in Peru. He is 74 years old and currently leads the dicas supplies for bishops, a key position within the Vatican gear. Low profile, good reputation and closeness to Pope Franciswho appointed him for that position.
APPROWED OTHER NAMES TO YOUR LIST: The Italian Matteo Maria Zuppi, the Spanish Ángel Fernández Artime and the Filipino Pablo Virgilio David.
But while the world expects, questions about what that can happen within that conclave closed abroad, which is celebrated since 1274 with an almost untouchable protocol.
For example: What happens if, God does not want it, a cardinal dies during the conclave? In that case, a Vatican doctor confirms death. The body retires discreetly, without breaking the confinement, and a mass can be celebrated. The vote continues with one less. Thus, if there were 89 votes of 133 cardinals before, they would now be 88 out of 132.
What if someone is late? It can be incorporated, but only if the first vote has not yet started. In 2013, the Vietnam cardinal arrived just before the start, and could participate. The first vote is usually celebrated the same day of entry, after swearing secret and listening to spiritual meditation.
Get out of conclave in the middle of the process It is another story. It is only allowed by serious cause: a serious disease or the death of a direct relative. In that case, the Cardinal loses the right to vote and cannot return.
On Who can vote, The answer is clear: only cardinals under 80 years. Although in 1417, during the western schism – when there were three popes – the Church allowed 30 bishops, six for each of the great Catholic powers, participated. Thus Martín V was chosen. It was the only exception in more than 600 years.
The Sistine Chapel has been The usual place of the conclaveS since 1492, but there have been five exceptions: four in the Palacio del Quirinal and one in Venice in 1800, when the Vatican fled from Napoleon.
Within the conclave, Silence is norm. During the vote, the cardinals only speak to pronounce the name of the candidate and the oath. Outside of it, they can talk and exchange impressions. Campaigns are prohibited, but not strategic conversations.
And if any cardinal Break the secret and filter What happens inside, the sanction is automatic: excommunication. In 2005, after the election of Benedict XVI, the media published very precise details. Years later, in 2024, Francisco himself confirmed them in his book ‘The Successor’: someone spoke.
The black smoke will climb … until it does. When I do white, there will be dad. The world expects. And the red curtains are already ready.
