Cardinals Vote in Vatican Conclave to Choose New Pope

The papal conclave to elect the 267th pope is underway in the Sistine Chapel, with 133 cardinals participating in a secretive process that includes multiple daily votes and will continue until a two-thirds majority is reached. The process is marked by high security and tradition, including an oath of secrecy and the iconic smoke signals—black indicating no decision and white signaling a new pope has been chosen. While the conclave follows established rituals, this election stands out for its record number of electors, many of whom were appointed by Pope Francis, and for the lack of a clear frontrunner among the candidates. Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle initially emerged as a progressive favorite, but his coalition appears to be faltering, with support shifting among other candidates such as American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost and Congolese Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu. The debates within the College of Cardinals reflect broader divisions over the direction of the Church at a critical historical moment, with speculation swirling around several possible contenders from diverse regions. Observers note that, despite the speculation, the outcome remains highly uncertain and shrouded in the traditional secrecy of the conclave.