In brief
In the Sistine Chapel, 133 cardinals have taken an oath according to the regulations set forth by Pope John Paul II as they embark on the conclave process to select the next pontiff. The pledge emphasizes commitment to the Holy See and secrecy throughout the voting process.
Inside the iconic Sistine Chapel, the solemn atmosphere marked the beginning of the papal conclave, where 133 cardinals took a sacred oath today. Following the procedures laid out by Pope John Paul II in a 1996 document, the cardinals vowed to adhere strictly to the conclave’s rules and to uphold the values of the Catholic faith. The most senior cardinal led the oath in Latin, with all participants reciting alongside him, promising to faithfully execute the mission of St. Peter, the first pope. This vow includes a commitment to defend both the spiritual and temporal rights of the Holy See with vigor. An essential aspect of the oath revolves around the confidentiality of the deliberations, including voting results, which will remain sealed unless permitted to be disclosed by the newly elected pope. The cardinals agreed that all notes taken during the conclave would be incinerated along with the paper ballots, which may be burned twice daily.Despite the commitment to secrecy, details occasionally emerge post-election, as knowledgeable Vatican watchers, known as Vaticanisti, try to piece together insights from the clandestine proceedings. Historical precedents, including “secret diaries” of anonymous cardinals, often reveal intriguing narratives, much like the accounts from the election of Benedict XVI in 2005.Each cardinal solemnly affirmed their oath by placing one hand on the Bible while reciting, “And I” followed by their name, thereby pledging their fidelity. As soon as each cardinal completed the oath, Diego Ravelli, tasked with organizing the liturgical events, announced “extra omnes,” meaning “everybody out.” This allowed for only essential personnel to remain present during the intense process of election, while votes are counted in secrecy.Elisabetta Povoledo, an experienced journalist, continues to report on these significant events from Vatican City, focusing on the intersection of the Catholic Church and global affairs.
